George Ryan, the former governor of Illinois known for his remarkable moratorium on the death penalty and later corruption conviction, has died at the age of 91.
Fox 32 reported that Ryan, who served as the 39th governor from 1999 to 2003, passed away on Friday following a brief period in hospice care, leaving a complex legacy marked by both groundbreaking political decisions and legal controversies.
Ryan’s political career began in Kankakee, where he transitioned from working as a local pharmacist to holding several state positions. His political ascent saw him serving as a state legislator, then secretary of state, and eventually governor.
Despite his criminal conviction, Ryan’s decision in 2003 to halt executions in Illinois remains a significant part of his legacy.
This move came after a series of exonerations demonstrated a deeply flawed judicial system, and Ryan expressed a sincere moral concern over executing potentially innocent individuals.
During his tenure as governor, Ryan made headlines with his bold move against capital punishment. He commuted the sentences of 167 death row inmates, effectively imposing a moratorium on executions in Illinois.
"I could not take the risk that the system would execute someone who was innocent," Ryan stated, highlighting his discomfort with the failings of the death penalty system. His decisive action was spurred by the exoneration of 13 death row inmates, juxtaposed against the execution of 12, a statistic that deeply troubled him.
Ryan’s robust stance against the death penalty was informed by practical experience, as Andrea Lyon, his friend and former criminal defense attorney, recalled. Lyon noted Ryan’s reflection, stating, “At that point, we had exonerated 13 people and executed 12. He said, 'I used to be a pharmacist, if I was getting the wrong pill to someone 50%, I wouldn't have a license..."
Despite this moral legacy, Ryan's career was marred by his involvement in a corruption scandal. In 2007, he was found guilty on 18 counts relating to a bribery scheme.
The charges, stemming from the Operation Safe Roads investigation, alleged that commercial driver's licenses were improperly traded for bribes during his time as both secretary of state and governor. This criminal activity was a blemish on Ryan's reputation that led to a federal prison sentence of more than five years, from which he was released in 2013.
Even post-incarceration, Ryan remained a figure of public interest and advocacy. He was particularly focused on reducing the stigma associated with the "felon" label for those leaving prison life. "They’ve served their time, and that tag ought to be removed for the rest of their lives by law," Ryan argued, reiterating a belief in second chances.
Those who knew Ryan personally often lauded his character and political acumen. Jim Durkin, a former Republican State Representative, described Ryan as a “skilled deal maker,” adding, “He liked to cut deals but made sure it was right for Illinoisans.”
Scott Fawell, Ryan’s former chief of staff, remembered him as not only a mentor but also a compassionate leader. Despite his legal troubles, Ryan returned to public life with positivity and acceptance, as noted by Durkin: "George made a mistake, but the fact is, he did his time, he didn’t complain when he got out, and he went on with his life."
Andrea Lyon, who remained close to Ryan until the end, described him warmly. "He just had boundless kindness for everyone, whether they were important or not," she reflected.
Spending his last moments surrounded by family, as Lyon recounted, speaks to the meaningful personal connections Ryan prioritized throughout his life.
Ryan never shied away from discussing his incarcerated past. Following his release, he was quoted as saying, "I’m sure they don’t want to go back," emphasizing his understanding of the prison system’s challenges.
