Rod R. Blagojevich, nicknamed "Blago", was the 40th governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009. A Democrat, he served in the Illinois State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives before becoming governor. His governorship ended abruptly when he was impeached, removed from office, and ultimately convicted on federal corruption charges, leading to an eight-year prison sentence. The charges stemmed from attempts to profit from his position, including allegedly trying to sell a U.S. Senate seat.
1947: Parents' Move to Chicago
Blagojevich's parents moved to Chicago in 1947.
1970: Frequent Special Sessions Called
Since 1970, a significant number of special sessions of the Illinois General Assembly have been called. Blagojevich called for a large number of these sessions himself, causing disruption for lawmakers.
1979: Graduation from Northwestern University
Blagojevich graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in history in 1979.
1979: Graduation from Northwestern University
Rod Blagojevich graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in history in 1979.
1980: Voted for Ronald Reagan
Blagojevich voted for Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election.
1983: Graduation from Pepperdine University School of Law
Blagojevich earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1983.
1983: Graduation from Pepperdine University School of Law
Rod Blagojevich graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1983.
1984: Voted for Ronald Reagan's Re-election
Blagojevich voted for Ronald Reagan's re-election in 1984.
1992: Democratic Primary Win for State House
In 1992, Blagojevich won the Democratic primary for the 33rd state house district in Illinois.
1993: Illinois State Representative
Rod Blagojevich began serving as an Illinois state representative in 1993.
1994: Rostenkowski Loses Re-election
Dan Rostenkowski lost his re-election bid for Illinois's 5th congressional district in 1994 after pleading guilty to mail fraud.
1996: Ran for Illinois's 5th Congressional District
Blagojevich ran for and won the election for Illinois's 5th congressional district in 1996.
1997: U.S. Representative
In 1997, Rod Blagojevich became a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th district.
1998: Re-election to Congress
Blagojevich was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998.
2000: Re-election to Congress
Blagojevich was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000.
October 10, 2002: Vote for Authorization of the Invasion of Iraq
On October 10, 2002, Blagojevich voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.
2002: Obama Advises Blagojevich's Campaign
Barack Obama served as an advisor to Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial campaign.
2002: Obama's support in Gubernatorial Race
Barack Obama supported Blagojevich in the 2002 general election for Illinois Governor after initially backing Roland Burris in the primary.
2002: Campaign for Governor Nomination
Blagojevich campaigned for and won the Democratic nomination for Governor of Illinois in 2002.
2002: Gubernatorial Election
Blagojevich participated in the 2002 Illinois gubernatorial election.
2002: Gubernatorial Campaign
Blagojevich ran for governor of Illinois in 2002, receiving campaign contributions from Trump and his organization.
2002: Democrats Gain Control in Illinois
Following the 2002 elections, the Democratic Party achieved control over the Illinois House, Senate, and almost all statewide offices.
2002: Election as Governor of Illinois
Rod Blagojevich was elected as Governor of Illinois in 2002.
2003: Beginning of Governorship
Rod Blagojevich began his term as the 40th Governor of Illinois in 2003.
2003: Blagojevich Continues Execution Moratorium
Upon taking office in 2003, Blagojevich maintained the moratorium on executions of death row inmates, a policy continued throughout his administration.
2004: Blagojevich Withholds Endorsement for Obama's Senate Race
Blagojevich did not endorse Obama in the 2004 United States Senate race.
2004: Controversial Tollway Signs Erected
In 2004, Blagojevich ordered the erection of 32 tollway signs, which were later criticized for their high cost and perceived use as campaign advertisements.
2005: Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association
Blagojevich served as Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association in 2005.
2005: Drop in Approval Ratings
Blagojevich's approval ratings dropped as low as 36% near the end of 2005 due to numerous scandals.
2005: Blagojevich Signs Anti-Discrimination Bill
In 2005, Blagojevich signed a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.
2005: Blagojevich Proposes FOID Card Price Increase and Vetoes Gun Bills
In 2005, as a state legislator, Rod Blagojevich proposed increasing the cost of an Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card from $5 to $500. He also vetoed three gun bills during the same year.
2005: Blagojevich Receives Early Obama Endorsement
In early 2005, Barack Obama endorsed Blagojevich for his reelection campaign, despite the Attorney General's investigation into Blagojevich.
January 10, 2006: Blagojevich's Infrastructure Spending Plan Proposal
On January 10, 2006, Blagojevich proposed a $3 billion spending plan for infrastructure improvements, facing opposition from both Republicans and Democrats.
February 2006: Blagojevich Proposes Ban on Semi-Automatic Firearms
During his State of the State address in February 2006, Governor Rod Blagojevich proposed a ban on semi-automatic firearms in Illinois.
February 19, 2006: Blagojevich Launches Reelection Campaign
On February 19, 2006, Rod Blagojevich officially launched his reelection campaign for Illinois Governor.
August 2006: Blagojevich Receives Endorsements and Faces Criticism
In August 2006, during his reelection campaign, Blagojevich received endorsements from notable figures like Barack Obama and the Sierra Club, while also facing criticism from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees for job cuts.
2006: Gubernatorial Election
Blagojevich participated in the 2006 Illinois gubernatorial election.
2006: Education Funding Increases and "PreSchool for All" Proposal
In 2006, Blagojevich oversaw record increases in education funding without raising sales or income taxes, while also proposing the "PreSchool for All" program.
2006: Federal Liaison for the Democratic Governors Association
Blagojevich served as federal liaison for the Democratic Governors Association from 2005 to 2006.
2006: Blagojevich Touts Ethics Law
While campaigning for reelection in 2006, Blagojevich emphasized a new ethics law, claiming it could have prevented previous gubernatorial corruption.
2006: Tollway Signs Draw Criticism
In 2006, the tollway signs erected in 2004 under Blagojevich's order drew criticism for their cost and function as campaign signs.
2006: Republican Primary for Gubernatorial Challenger
In 2006, several Republicans competed in the primary for the chance to challenge Blagojevich in the general election. Judy Baar Topinka eventually won the Republican nomination.
2006: Re-election as Governor
In 2006, Blagojevich was re-elected for a second term as Governor of Illinois.
2007: Confrontation with Senator Jacobs
Following a 2007 meeting regarding health insurance proposals, State Senator Mike Jacobs accused Blagojevich of behaving childishly.
2007: "PreSchool for All" Legislation Adopted
Legislation for the "PreSchool for All" program was adopted as part of the fiscal year 2007 budget.
2007: Limited Communication Between Quinn and Blagojevich
Quinn reported last speaking with Blagojevich during the summer of 2007.
March 2008: Bipartisan Coalition for Capital Construction Plan
In March 2008, Blagojevich announced a bipartisan coalition to develop a capital construction plan, which ultimately stalled in the Illinois House.
December 8, 2008: Blagojevich Orders Stop to Business with Bank of America
On December 8, 2008, Governor Rod Blagojevich ordered all Illinois state agencies to cease business with Bank of America. This action was taken to pressure the bank into restoring credit to Republic Windows and Doors, whose workers were staging a sit-in after the factory was shut down. Blagojevich's move was criticized as "dangerous" by John Douglas, a former general counsel for the FDIC and attorney for Bank of America.
December 9, 2008: Blagojevich Arrested on Corruption Charges
On December 9, 2008, Rod Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI on corruption charges, including allegations of attempting to profit from appointing someone to Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.
December 2008: Clarification on Obama's Role in 2002 Gubernatorial Campaign
In December 2008, Rahm Emanuel clarified Barack Obama's role in Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial campaign, stating that his previous assessment of Obama as a "top strategist" was inaccurate.
December 2008: Quinn and Blagojevich's Strained Relationship
By December 2008, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn had publicly disagreed with Blagojevich on several issues and reported limited communication with him since 2007.
December 2008: Federal Investigation and Trial
Beginning in December 2008, a federal investigation found Blagojevich guilty of corruption for attempting to sell Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.
2008: DCCC Links Ozinga to Blagojevich
During the 2008 Congressional race, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee aired advertisements linking Republican candidate Marty Ozinga to Blagojevich through campaign donations.
2008: Blagojevich's Disagreements with Democrats
Throughout 2008, Blagojevich experienced ongoing disagreements with fellow Democrats in the state government.
2008: Blagojevich's Claim of Being "First African American Governor"
In 2008, Blagojevich controversially referred to himself as the first African American governor of Illinois.
2008: Obama Excludes Blagojevich from DNC
Blagojevich was not invited by Obama to speak at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
2008: Five-Year Stalemate on Capital Plan
As of 2008, Blagojevich had been unable to secure agreement on a capital plan for Illinois infrastructure improvements for five years.
2008: Jacobs Comments on Blagojevich's Isolation
In 2008, Senator Jacobs commented on Blagojevich's apparent lack of political allies, with the possible exception of Senate President Emil Jones.
January 2009: Blagojevich Appoints Roland Burris to Senate Seat
In January 2009, after various outreach efforts, Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris to the vacant Senate seat. Burris was seated after initial opposition.
January 27, 2009: Blagojevich Begins Media Campaign
On January 27, 2009, Rod Blagojevich launched a media campaign proclaiming his innocence and insisting on his eventual vindication. He appeared on various news programs across multiple networks.
January 29, 2009: Blagojevich Removed from Office
On January 29, 2009, the Illinois Senate unanimously voted to remove Rod Blagojevich from office and bar him from holding public office in Illinois again. Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn became governor.
March 2009: Blagojevich Guest Hosts Radio Show
In March 2009, Rod Blagojevich was a guest host on the "Don Wade and Roma Morning Show" on WLS.
April 2009: Indictment
In April 2009, Blagojevich was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges, primarily related to his attempts to sell the vacated Senate seat.
June 1, 2009: Patti Blagojevich Appears on Reality Show
On June 1, 2009, Patti Blagojevich, Rod Blagojevich's wife, appeared on "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" Blagojevich expressed difficulty watching his wife on the show but called her participation "an act of love" due to their financial struggles.
June 13, 2009: Blagojevich Performs in Improv Musical
On June 13, 2009, Rod Blagojevich performed in The Second City's musical "Rod Blagojevich Superstar" to benefit Gilda's Club Chicago, a cancer support organization.
June 30, 2009: Blagojevich Announces Autobiography
On June 30, 2009, Rod Blagojevich announced his autobiography, "The Governor: The Truth Behind the Political Scandal That Continues to Rock the Nation," set for release on September 8, 2009. An eBook version was released on Amazon the same day.
July 19, 2009: Blagojevich Begins Hosting Radio Talk Show
On July 19, 2009, Rod Blagojevich started hosting a weekly radio talk show on 890 WLS.
September 8, 2009: Blagojevich's Autobiography Published
Rod Blagojevich's autobiography, "The Governor: The Truth Behind the Political Scandal That Continues to Rock the Nation," was published on September 8, 2009.
2009: Blagojevich Considers Oprah Winfrey for Senate Seat
In early 2009, Rod Blagojevich considered offering Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to Oprah Winfrey, citing her influence on Obama's election. He discussed his reasoning on several talk shows.
2009: Blagojevich's Request to Appear on Reality Show Denied
In 2009, Rod Blagojevich's request to participate in the reality show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" was denied by Judge James B. Zagel, who emphasized the need for Blagojevich to focus on his legal defense.
2009: Impeachment and Removal from Office
In 2009, Rod Blagojevich was impeached, convicted, and removed from his position as Governor of Illinois due to federal corruption charges.
2009: Impeachment, Conviction, and Removal from Office
Blagojevich was impeached, convicted, and removed from office in 2009.
January 2010: Blagojevich Makes Controversial Remarks About President Obama
In January 2010, Rod Blagojevich made controversial comments about President Obama in an Esquire interview, claiming to be "blacker than Barack Obama" and criticizing the President's reliance on a teleprompter. He later clarified his word choice but stood by his message about ordinary people not getting a "fair shake."
April 4, 2010: Blagojevich Fired from "The Celebrity Apprentice"
On April 4, 2010, Rod Blagojevich was fired from the reality show "The Celebrity Apprentice" by Donald Trump, after appearing on the show's ninth season.
June 2, 2010: Blagojevich's Radio Show Placed on Hiatus
Rod Blagojevich's radio show on WLS was put on hiatus on June 2, 2010, during his corruption trial.
June 3, 2010: Blagojevich Trial Date Set
The trial date for Rod Blagojevich was set for June 3, 2010. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald spoke out about the charges, accusing Blagojevich of attempting to "auction off" the open Senate seat.
August 2010: Blagojevich Appears at Comic Convention
In August 2010, Rod Blagojevich appeared at the Wizard World Chicago comic convention, charging for autographs and photos. He also had a televised meeting with Adam West, discussing Batman villains. His appearance received mixed reactions.
August 17, 2010: First Trial and Conviction
On August 17, 2010, Blagojevich's first trial concluded. He was found guilty on one count of lying to the FBI, but the jury was hung on 23 other counts, resulting in a mistrial for those charges. The prosecution immediately announced their intention to retry him on the unresolved counts.
June 27, 2011: Second Trial and Conviction
On June 27, 2011, Blagojevich's retrial concluded with guilty verdicts on 17 of the remaining 20 charges. These included charges related to attempting to sell the Senate seat and extortion, but he was acquitted on one charge and there was no verdict on two others.
March 15, 2012: Imprisonment
Blagojevich reported to Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, Colorado to begin his sentence on March 15, 2012.
July 2013: Appeal Filed
In July 2013, Blagojevich filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence with the Seventh Circuit.
December 2013: Appeal Hearing
The Seventh Circuit heard arguments in Blagojevich's appeal in December 2013.
July 2015: Partial Conviction Vacated
In July 2015, the Seventh Circuit vacated five of Blagojevich's corruption convictions, including the one related to selling the Senate seat, but upheld others. The case was remanded to the district court.
March 2016: Supreme Court Appeal Denied
The Supreme Court denied Blagojevich's petition for a writ of certiorari in March 2016, refusing to hear his appeal.
August 2016: Resentencing Hearing
In August 2016, a resentencing hearing was held where Judge Zagel reimposed the original 14-year sentence despite acknowledging Blagojevich's good conduct in prison and his family's suffering.
November 3, 2017: Second Supreme Court Appeal Filed
Blagojevich's attorneys filed another appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on November 3, 2017, challenging his sentence.
April 16, 2018: Second Supreme Court Appeal Denied
On April 16, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Blagojevich's appeal for the second time.
May 31, 2018: Trump Considers Commutation
On May 31, 2018, President Trump publicly announced he was considering commuting Blagojevich's sentence.
June 5, 2018: Commutation Petition Filed
Blagojevich officially filed a petition for commutation of sentence on June 5, 2018.
August 2019: Trump Reinforces Commutation Consideration
President Trump reiterated in August 2019 that he was "very strongly" considering commuting Blagojevich's sentence.
February 18, 2020: Commutation of Sentence
On February 18, 2020, President Trump commuted Blagojevich's sentence, leading to his early release.
May 2020: Podcast Launch
Blagojevich launched a politics-themed podcast, "The Lightning Rod," in May 2020.
May 18, 2020: Disbarment
On May 18, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court officially disbarred Blagojevich following recommendations from the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission due to his "pattern of dishonest and deceptive conduct".
2020: Commutation of Sentence
In 2020, President Donald Trump commuted Blagojevich's prison sentence.
September 2021: Podcast Ends
Blagojevich's podcast, "The Lightning Rod," ended its run in September 2021.
2024: Support for Trump's Presidential Campaign and Attendance at RNC
Blagojevich supported Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and attended the Republican National Convention in 2024.
2025: Presidential Pardon
Blagojevich received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2025.