One Good Man Can Make A Difference
In 1990, Jim Edgar ran for Governor and won, becoming the 38th Governor of Illinois. He would go on to be considered one of the most respected and popular governors in Illinois history
Time and time again, Edgar abandoned the one-size-fits-all approach. His steady hand on the helm allowed him to govern effectively by matching his promises with performance.
The record shows his fidelity to his values, principles and sense of public service spurred dramatic changes in the governmental landscape of Illinois and enriched the lives of millions of Illinoisans.
Impact by the Numbers
jobs created during the last six years of the Edgar administration
families moved from welfare to jobs
increase in funding for public schools
%
decrease in infant mortality
Early Years
Meeting The Challenge
Due to his moderate views that appealed to Republicans and Democrats alike, he has been considered one of the most respected and popular governors in Illinois history, having been reelected by a large margin and leaving office with approval ratings well over 60%.
As the 38th Governor of Illinois, he imposed a fiscal discipline that allowed the state to deal with severe budget problems, combat a revenue-draining recession and provide record increases in funding for education while holding the line on taxes.
He initiated the most massive reorganization of state government since the early 1900s and downsized the bureaucracy for the first time in anyone’s history.
A Partner For Life
During her eight years as Illinois’ First Lady, Brenda Edgar was a full partner to the Governor in his public and political life. She served as the Governor’s ambassador and advocate on issues to improve the lives of Illinois women and children. In 1997, she was named one of “100 Women Making a Difference” by Today’s Chicago Woman. Brenda Edgar served as a role model for Illinois women. She and the Edgar administration helped women and children improve their lives and meet the challenges of the 1990s.
On the World Stage
A Statesman for All Time
Governor Jim Edgar’s official portrait hangs in the Hall of Governors on the second floor of the Illinois State Capitol. It was painted with Edgar standing in the Library of the Governor’s Mansion. Brenda Edgar’s photo sits on the mantle behind him, making Edgar the only governor to include his wife in his official portrait. Also, in the painting of the Lincoln-Douglas debate in the background, Edgar had the artist, William Chambers, include the Edgars’ two grandchildren at the time as audience members.
Moments & Memories
His Legacy Lives On
Jim Edgar’s legacy extends far beyond his years as Governor of Illinois.
After serving two terms as governor, he became a respected statesman who championed good government in Illinois and across the nation. He remained deeply committed to strengthening public policy and cultivating the next generation of leaders in public service.
He served as a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs and at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, where he shared his experience and insights with students and public officials.
At his alma mater, Eastern Illinois University, he established the Edgar Speaker Series, bringing leading experts in state government to campus to explore current challenges and their historical context.
Perhaps his most enduring contribution was the creation of the Edgar Fellows Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Each year, up to 40 emerging leaders participated in intensive training, mentorship, and networking grounded in Edgar’s philosophy of principled, pragmatic leadership.
The Edgar Fellows Program emphasized problem-solving over partisanship, compromise over competition, and meaningful solutions over personal grandstanding. Fellows were nominated from across political, geographic, and cultural lines and learned to work collaboratively to achieve real change.
Since its founding, the program has supported more than 500 Fellows—including numerous current and former statewide elected officials, members of Congress and state senators and representatives—who have gone on to make a lasting impact in public life.
Jim Edgar’s commitment to leadership, civility, and good government continues through the work of those he inspired.