Governor of Illinois

The governor of Illinois is the head of state and government of the U.S. state of Illinois and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor is also the chairperson of the state government cabinet.

Governor of Illinois
Seal of Illinois
Incumbent J. B. Pritzker since January 14, 2019
Government of Illinois
Residence	Illinois Executive Mansion
Appointer	Popular election
Term length	Four years, no term limits
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Illinois
Inaugural holder	Shadrach Bond
Formation	October 6, 1818 (1818-10-06)
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of Illinois
Salary	$177,412
Website	www.illinois.gov/gov/

J. B. Pritzker is the 43rd and current governor of Illinois, in office since January 2019.

Power and duties

The governor has the duty to enforce state laws and the power either to approve or veto bills passed by the Illinois General Assembly to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons except in cases of treason and impeachment.

Eligibility and requirements

Under the Constitution of Illinois, a person must:

• Be at least 25 years old
• a United States citizen
• live in Illinois for at least 3 years

Election process

The governor is elected by the people through the popular election to a four year term, along with the lieutenant gubernatorial candidate or the incumbent lieutenant governor as their running mate. The candidate or incumbent governor must have the majority of the popular vote in order to win the election.

Line of succession

If the governor dies, resigns or is impeached from office, the lieutenant governor ranks first in the line of succession and will assume the office, powers and duties as governor.