Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, a well-liked two-term Republican, has died at 79.

Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar Passes Away at 79

CHICAGO – Jim Edgar, a former two-term Republican governor of Illinois, passed away on Sunday at the age of 79, as confirmed by his family. He is remembered for leading the state toward financial stability during the 1990s.

His family stated that he died from complications related to pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he had made public earlier this year.

In their statement, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support received over recent months.

Edgar’s political career began as a state legislator and culminated in his election as governor in 1990. As a moderate Republican, he won reelection easily, even securing victory in the heavily Democratic Cook County, home to Chicago.

He was known for his political activism and expressed concern about the Republican Party’s shift to the right. Notably, he did not support Donald Trump’s presidency and was involved last year in a campaign supporting Kamala Harris, referred to as “Harris’ Republican.”

Born in a small Oklahoma town, Edgar presented a more grounded demeanor compared to his charismatic predecessor, James R. Thompson. When Edgar took office, Illinois faced significant debt issues, with bills paid months overdue.

During a recession, he urged budget cuts and made difficult decisions, including laying off staff and cutting public programs. He managed to fulfill his campaign pledge to make temporary income tax surcharges permanent, ensuring stable funding for public education.

Reflecting on his tenure, Edgar acknowledged the challenges faced, stating, “How it was done, it wasn’t always pretty, but we did a lot,” in an interview from 1998.

In a surprising move, he announced in 1997 that he wouldn’t run for a third term, even amidst his popularity. Despite attempts from Republicans to convince him to seek higher office again, including the U.S. Senate, he declined.

Edgar later took on teaching roles and served as the President of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.

Bob Kustra, who was Edgar’s lieutenant governor, remarked on his integrity and contributions during a significant period in Illinois government history.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that the state flag would be flown at half-staff in honor of Edgar.

Pritzker urged everyone to embody Edgar’s spirit, emphasizing integrity and respect. “He will live on in the myriad of lives he touched and the strong institutions he helped to build,” he noted.