Overview

• His family said Sunday that Edgar died from complications related to treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
• Gov. J.B. Pritzker directed flags statewide to half-staff as leaders from both parties issued tributes to the two-term governor.
• Edgar served as Illinois’ 38th governor from 1991 to 1999 and was the last Republican to be elected to the office more than once.
• He steered the state toward fiscal stability in the 1990s, made a temporary income tax surcharge permanent to bolster schools, and as secretary of state led DUI crackdowns and required car insurance.
• He disclosed his diagnosis in February 2025, was honored with a State Library reading room this year, and funeral details will be announced in the coming days.