Rod Blagojevich Net Worth 2025 How Much Is the Former Illinois Governor Worth Today?
Rod Blagojevich is a former American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Illinois from 2003 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2009. His career has been marked by both political achievements and a major corruption scandal that led to his imprisonment.
Who is Rod Blagojevich?
| Name | Rod Blagojevich |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | December 10, 1956 (68) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Main Incomes | Media appearances, Speaking engagements |
| Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Nationality | American |
Rod Blagojevich was born on December 10, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois to Serbian immigrant parents. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side. His father was a steel plant worker who had been a prisoner of war during World War II. Blagojevich attended Northwestern University and later earned his law degree from Pepperdine University in 1983.
Blagojevich began his political career in the 1990s when he served as an Illinois state representative from 1993 to 1996. He then won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1997 to 2003. During his time in Congress, he was known for his work on prescription drug programs for senior citizens and his opposition to free trade agreements that he believed would harm American workers.
In 2002, Blagojevich was elected Governor of Illinois, becoming the first Democrat to win that office in 26 years. He was reelected in 2006. However, his second term ended abruptly when he was arrested in December 2008 on federal corruption charges, including allegations that he attempted to sell Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. After impeachment by the Illinois House and conviction by the Senate, he was removed from office in January 2009. He served eight years in federal prison before his sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump in 2020.
“I’ve got this thing and it’s fucking golden. I’m just not giving it up for fucking nothing.”
Net Worth Comparison
| Name | Net Worth | Sources of Income |
|---|---|---|
| Barack Obama | $70M | Politics |
| Donald Trump | $5.2B | Business |
| Patti Blagojevich | $1M | Media |
Net Worth and Salary
Rod Blagojevich’s current net worth is estimated to be around $100,000. When he served as Governor of Illinois, his annual salary was around $177,000. However, his legal troubles and imprisonment severely impacted his finances. The legal fees from his corruption trial reportedly cost millions of dollars, depleting much of his family’s savings. His wife, Patti, had to become the primary breadwinner during his incarceration, working in real estate and appearing on reality television shows to support their family.
Since his release from prison, Blagojevich has attempted to rebuild his finances through various means, including speaking engagements, podcasting, and Cameo appearances, where people pay him to record personalized video messages. These ventures have provided him with some income, though nowhere near the level he once enjoyed as governor.
His Investments and Business Ventures
Before entering politics, Blagojevich worked briefly as a prosecutor and then as a defense attorney in a small practice. His investments during his political career were relatively modest and mainly consisted of retirement accounts and property. After his release from prison, Blagojevich launched a podcast called The Lightning Rod in which he discusses politics and shares his perspectives on current events. While not a major moneymaker, the podcast has helped him maintain public visibility. He has also made appearances at various events and conferences as a paid speaker.
One of Blagojevich’s more unusual post prison business ventures was joining the Cameo platform, where he charges around $100 for personalized video messages. This has become a steady, if modest, source of income for the former governor. He has also expressed interest in writing books about his experiences, though the financial success of these potential ventures remains to be seen.
Notable Public Appearances After Governorship
| Year | Appearance/Project | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Celebrity Apprentice | $80,000 |
| 2012 | Imprisonment Begins | – |
| 2020 | Sentence Commuted by Trump | – |
| 2021 | Conservative Media Tour | $75,000 |
Life After Prison
Following his release from federal prison in February 2020 after his sentence was commuted by President Trump, Blagojevich has worked to rebuild both his public image and personal finances. He has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the corruption charges, arguing that his actions were just normal political dealings rather than criminal behavior.
Blagojevich has made numerous media appearances since his release, including on shows like Fox News, where he has shared his experiences and political views. He has also embraced social media platforms to connect with supporters and promote his podcast and other ventures.
The former governor has faced significant challenges in rebuilding his career due to his felony conviction. In 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court officially disbarred him, preventing him from practicing law again. This has limited his professional options and forced him to explore alternative career paths.
Despite these obstacles, Blagojevich has shown resilience in adapting to his new circumstances. He continues to be a polarizing figure in Illinois politics, with some viewing him as a victim of an overzealous prosecution while others see him as a symbol of political corruption. His journey after prison represents an ongoing attempt at personal and financial recovery after a dramatic fall from power.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Rod Blagojevich married Patricia Mell in 1990, the daughter of former Chicago alderman Richard Mell. The couple has two daughters, Amy and Annie. His family stood by him throughout his legal troubles and imprisonment, with Patricia becoming particularly vocal in advocating for his release.
Despite his controversial political career, Blagojevich was involved in several charitable initiatives during his time as governor. He supported children’s healthcare programs, including All Kids, which aimed to provide health insurance to every child in Illinois. He also advocated for expanded prescription drug benefits for seniors and veterans.
Since his release from prison, Blagojevich has maintained a lower profile in terms of philanthropy. However, he has spoken about his desire to work with prison reform initiatives, drawing on his own experiences in the federal prison system. He has occasionally participated in community events in Chicago, though his controversial past has limited his involvement in major charitable organizations.
FAQs
Did Rod Blagojevich ever admit guilt for the crimes he was convicted of?
No, even after his release from prison, Blagojevich has maintained his innocence. He has consistently claimed that his actions were normal political negotiations rather than criminal corruption.
Can Rod Blagojevich ever hold public office again?
No, as part of his conviction, Blagojevich was barred from holding any public office in Illinois. His felony conviction would also make it extremely difficult for him to run for office in other states.
How did Rod Blagojevich’s legal troubles affect his family financially?
The legal battles depleted the family’s savings significantly. His wife Patti became the main provider during his imprisonment, working in real estate and appearing on reality TV shows like “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” to support their family.
