NW Illinois News

Jim Edgar, who served as the 38th Governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999, died on September 14, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

State Senator Li Arellano, Jr. reflected on Edgar’s legacy: “Governor Jim Edgar was sworn into office amid dramatic fiscal challenges, and he turned Illinois onto a much stronger path,” Arellano said. “Had governors from both parties continued to follow that path after him, Illinois would be in a much stronger financial path. Illinoisians would have more effective, and less expensive, state government.”

Edgar was known for his contributions to Illinois politics and the Republican Party. His tenure included addressing the state budget deficit and leading reforms in education, welfare, and child protection. He also provided leadership during the Great Flood of 1993.

Edgar began his career as a legislative intern for the Illinois General Assembly before serving as an Illinois State Representative and then as Secretary of State prior to being elected governor in 1990.

After leaving public office, Edgar continued his involvement in public advocacy through initiatives such as The Jim Edgar Fellow Program. This fellowship aims to train emerging leaders in public policy to address major challenges facing the state. State Senator Li Arellano, Jr., who was elected in 2025 to represent the state's 37th Senate District after replacing Win Stoller (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3226), attended and graduated from the Edgar Fellows Class of 2024.

Visitation services for Edgar were held on September 19 at the Illinois State Capitol, followed by memorial services on Saturday.