Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who served from 1999 to 2003, passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at his home in Kankakee, Illinois, while under hospice care .
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Early Life and Political Career
Born on February 24, 1934, in Maquoketa, Iowa, Ryan began his career as a pharmacist before entering politics. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives, was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1983, and became Secretary of State in 1991. In 1998, he was elected Governor of Illinois, a position he held until 2003 .
Legacy on the Death Penalty
Governor Ryan is perhaps best known for his decision in 2000 to impose a moratorium on the death penalty in Illinois. In 2003, he commuted the sentences of all 167 inmates on death row to life imprisonment, citing concerns over the risk of executing innocent individuals. His actions were widely praised by human rights advocates and led to a broader national conversation about the use of capital punishment .
Legal Troubles and Conviction
In 2006, Ryan was convicted on federal corruption charges, including racketeering, bribery, and fraud, stemming from his time as Secretary of State. The charges were linked to a scheme involving the sale of commercial driver’s licenses in exchange for bribes, which contributed to a 1994 crash that killed six children. He was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison and served over five years before being released in 2013 .
Reactions to His Passing
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other state officials expressed condolences following Ryan’s death, acknowledging both his contributions to criminal justice reform and the controversies that marked his career. Kankakee Mayor Curtis praised Ryan as a significant figure in the community, noting that his legacy would be remembered in the city.
George Ryan’s life and career remain a complex chapter in Illinois political history, marked by both commendable reform and serious legal and ethical challenges.