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Rod R. Blagojevichpardon

Feb 10, 2025

Updated Feb 4, 2026
Net worth
Unknown
Crimes
corruption, wire fraud, bribery
Convicted of
Wire fraud; attempted extortion; conspiracy (attempt to sell U.S. Senate seat; corruption)
Original sentence
168 months (14 years) imprisonment; $20,000 fine (December 2011); commuted Feb 2020
Time served
~8 years before commutation (2020); full pardon 2025

Background

Rod Blagojevich was the Democratic governor of Illinois from 2003 until his impeachment and removal in 2009. He was arrested in December 2008 and convicted after two federal jury trials in the Northern District of Illinois of multiple corruption offenses. President Trump commuted his sentence in February 2020; he was granted a full pardon in February 2025.

The Case

Blagojevich was convicted of 18 federal crimes, including wire fraud, attempted extortion, and conspiracy. He was found guilty of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama—seeking campaign contributions or a cabinet position in exchange for the appointment—and of corrupt solicitation involving other official acts. His conduct betrayed the public trust, corrupted the appointment process, and harmed the integrity of state and federal government. He was sentenced in December 2011 to 168 months (14 years) in prison and a $20,000 fine. The Seventh Circuit vacated five counts on appeal but upheld the remainder; the Supreme Court declined to review. President Trump commuted his sentence in February 2020 after he had served about eight years.

The Pardon

On February 10, 2025, President Trump granted Blagojevich a full pardon, removing the remaining legal consequences of his convictions.

Sources