Career Timeline of George Ryan: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how George Ryan made an impact.

George Ryan was an American politician who served as the 39th Governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003. A Republican, he also held positions as Illinois Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor. His career was overshadowed by a later conviction on federal charges including racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering, and tax fraud, all related to his time in public office.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1954: Ryan Drafted into U.S. Army

In 1954, Ryan was drafted into the U.S. Army and served a 13-month tour in Korea, working in a base pharmacy.

1968: Ryan Joins Kankakee County Board

In 1968, Ryan began his political career by serving on the Kankakee County Board.

1972: Elected to Illinois House of Representatives

In 1972, Ryan was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.

1973: End of Ryan's time on the Kankakee County Board

In 1973, Ryan concluded his time on the Kankakee County Board

1976: Ryan Elected House Minority Leader

In 1976, Ryan was elected House Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives.

1980: Republicans Win House Majority

In 1980, Ryan led Republicans to win a 91-86 majority in the Illinois House.

January 1981: Ryan Elected Speaker

In January 1981, Ryan was elected Speaker of the Illinois House.

July 1981: Ryan Selected as Thompson's Running Mate

In July 1981, Ryan was selected by Governor James R. Thompson to be his running mate following the resignation of the lieutenant governor.

1982: Thompson/Ryan Ticket Wins Election

In 1982, the Thompson/Ryan ticket narrowly defeated the Democratic ticket in the election.

1986: Thompson and Ryan Reelected

In 1986, Thompson and Ryan were both reelected to their positions.

1990: Sale of Ryan's Pharmacies

In 1990, Ryan sold his family-run chain of pharmacies, which had grown from his father's original two drugstores.

1990: Ryan Elected Secretary of State of Illinois

In 1990, Ryan was elected Secretary of State of Illinois.

1994: Quinn's Failed Bid to Challenge Ryan

In 1994, State Treasurer Pat Quinn's bid to challenge Ryan in the general election for Secretary of State was unsuccessful.

August 30, 1997: Jim Edgar Announces Retirement

On August 30, 1997, Jim Edgar announced he would retire after his second term as governor of Illinois.

1998: Ryan Elected Governor of Illinois

In 1998, Ryan was elected governor of Illinois, narrowly defeating Glenn Poshard.

May 1999: Illinois FIRST Law Signed

In May 1999, the "Illinois FIRST" law, an acronym for "Fund for Infrastructure, Roads, Schools, and Transit", was signed, creating a $6.3 billion package for infrastructure projects.

January 31, 2000: Ryan Declares Moratorium on Death Penalty

On January 31, 2000, Ryan declared a moratorium on the state's death penalty.

2000: Ryan's Moratorium on Executions

In 2000, Ryan received national attention for his moratorium on executions in Illinois.

2000: Ryan Chairs Midwestern Governors Association

In 2000, Ryan served as a chair of the Midwestern Governors Association.

2002: Ryan Chooses Not to Run for Reelection

In 2002, Ryan chose not to run for reelection amidst a scandal.

January 11, 2003: Ryan Commutes Death Row Sentences

On January 11, 2003, just before leaving office, Ryan commuted the sentences of all 167 convicts on Illinois' death row to life terms and pardoned four inmates.