The former governor of Illinois Jim Edgar (R) died on Sunday at age 79 for complications related to his treatment for pancreatic cancer, his family announced.

“We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness that many have demonstrated to Jim and our family during these last months,” family members said in a statement.

A moderate Republican, Edgar fulfilled two periods as governor of Illinois from 1991 to 1999. He previously occupied a seat in the Illinois Chamber and was Secretary of State of Illinois during the 1980s.

Former Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar in 2014.
Former Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar in 2014.

Via News

Edgar broke with the right -wing turn of his party after the emergence of Donald Trump.

Last year, he publicly supported Democratic candidate Kamala Harris about Trump in the 2024 presidential race.

After announcing his cancer diagnosis in February, Edgar told Politic that he was trying to stay positive. “And I like to destroy Trump some, so there are many things to keep him out of my mind,” he joked.