Rod Blagojevich: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Rod Blagojevich, once the Governor of Illinois, became a household name after a series of scandals and criminal charges led to his impeachment and conviction. Known for his rise from a modest background to a political powerhouse, his life story has been marked by ambition, controversy, and legal battles.
- Age: 68 Years
- Date of Birth: December 10, 1956
- Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Weight: between 170 to 190 pounds
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm)
- Net Worth: $100,000
Early Life and Date of Birth
Rod Blagojevich was born on December 10, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, making him currently 68 years old. His full name is Rodric Delon Blagojevich. He grew up in a working-class family in Chicago, where his father, a Croatian immigrant, worked as a restaurant owner, and his mother was an American of Serbian descent. Blagojevich’s roots can be traced back to a humble background, which shaped much of his early political philosophy.Blagojevich attended Beverly High School, a public school in Chicago, and later pursued higher education at Northwestern University, where he earned a degree in political science. His time at Northwestern University was pivotal in shaping his political aspirations. After graduating, Blagojevich went on to earn a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California.
Family Background
Rod Blagojevich’s family played a central role in his life and career. His father, Radislav “Rado” Blagojevich, was a Yugoslav immigrant who came to the United States in the early 1950s. A hard-working restaurant owner, he instilled in his son a strong work ethic, which Blagojevich often credited during his political campaigns.His mother, who was originally from the United States, supported the family while his father worked long hours. Blagojevich often spoke about the sacrifices his parents made to give him and his siblings better opportunities in life. Growing up, he had two younger siblings, a brother and a sister, who were also raised with a similar emphasis on the importance of family and hard work.In 1990, Blagojevich married Patti Blagojevich (née Mell), who hails from a politically connected family. Patti Blagojevich was a prominent figure throughout her husband’s political career and later played a major role during his legal battles. The couple has two daughters: Amy Blagojevich and Anne Blagojevich. The Blagojevich family has often been under the spotlight, particularly during the time when Rod was embroiled in legal issues and when he faced impeachment proceedings.
Political Career and Rise to Power
Blagojevich’s political career began when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1992. As a member of the Democratic Party, he quickly gained a reputation as an ambitious and hard-working politician. His early political success can be attributed to his ability to connect with working-class voters, which was a key factor in his rise to prominence in Illinois politics.In 1996, Blagojevich ran for the United States House of Representatives and won the 5th Congressional District seat. He served in the U.S. Congress for six years, from 1997 to 2003, where he worked on several key issues, including health care reform and transportation. During his time in Washington, Blagojevich built a reputation for being a passionate advocate for the people of Illinois, particularly those in his district.Blagojevich’s transition to the Illinois governorship began in 2002, when he ran for the office of Governor of Illinois. He was a dynamic candidate, promising to bring change to a state plagued by corruption. He campaigned on issues such as education, health care, and economic reform. His campaign’s promise of a fresh approach and his charisma helped him win the Democratic primary and, later, the general election in 2002.Blagojevich was sworn in as the 40th Governor of Illinois on January 13, 2003. He quickly made his mark as an energetic leader, pushing for an ambitious agenda that included expanding health care access, increasing funding for education, and making changes to the state’s pension system.
Scandal and Impeachment
Rod Blagojevich’s time in office was marred by controversy and allegations of corruption. His tenure as governor was marked by a series of scandals that ultimately led to his downfall. In 2008, Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI on charges of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after he was elected President. The FBI had been investigating Blagojevich for several months, and in December 2008, they unveiled a wiretap of Blagojevich discussing the potential sale of the Senate seat.Blagojevich was accused of using his position as governor to solicit bribes, kickbacks, and campaign contributions in exchange for political favors, including the appointment of individuals to key political positions. His infamous words, “I’ve got this thing and it’s [expletive] golden,” referred to his ability to sell the Senate seat, became emblematic of the corruption charges against him.Following his arrest, Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois State Legislature in January 2009, and he was removed from office by the state Senate. He was succeeded by then-Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. Blagojevich was later tried in federal court and found guilty of multiple charges, including wire fraud and attempted extortion.
Legal Battles and Conviction
Blagojevich’s trial was one of the most highly publicized cases in Illinois history. His defense team argued that he was the victim of political persecution and that the charges against him were politically motivated. However, the evidence presented in court was overwhelming, including wiretap recordings of Blagojevich’s conversations about selling the Senate seat.In 2011, Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his conviction on charges related to corruption, including wire fraud, bribery, and attempted extortion. The sentence shocked many of his supporters, as Blagojevich had previously been a popular figure in Illinois politics. Despite his legal troubles, Blagojevich maintained his innocence and continued to fight for his freedom.In 2017, after serving nearly eight years of his sentence, Blagojevich was granted a commutation by President Donald Trump. This decision was controversial, as many saw it as an attempt to reward a former political ally. Nonetheless, Blagojevich was released from prison and returned to his family.
Blagojevich’s Life After Imprisonment
Since his release from prison, Blagojevich has largely kept a low profile. He has occasionally spoken publicly about his experiences and the lessons he learned from his time in prison. He has also expressed regret for his actions, though he continues to maintain that he was wrongly convicted and unfairly treated by the legal system.Blagojevich has written a memoir titled “The Governor: The Real Story of the Blagojevich Years,” which details his rise in Illinois politics, his time in office, and his legal battles. He has also made appearances on various media platforms, including television interviews and podcasts, where he discusses his legal case and life after prison.
Net Worth
Rod Blagojevich’s net worth is a topic of debate. Prior to his legal troubles, Blagojevich was a well-paid public official, earning a salary as Governor and receiving compensation for his work as a Congressman. However, after his conviction and imprisonment, his financial situation was significantly impacted.As of 2025, estimates place Rod Blagojevich’s net worth at around $500,000 to $1 million. This includes various assets, such as his house in Chicago, pension benefits from his time as Governor, and potential earnings from his book and media appearances. However, Blagojevich’s legal battles, including the high cost of defending himself during his trial, likely took a significant toll on his wealth.While Blagojevich may not be as wealthy as some other political figures, his financial situation has improved since his release from prison. He has maintained a relatively low profile in terms of business ventures but has capitalized on media opportunities, including appearances and public speaking engagements.
Conclusion
Rod Blagojevich’s story is one of ambition, scandal, and redemption. He rose to power with a message of change, only to fall from grace due to a series of criminal charges and legal battles. His legacy as Governor of Illinois will forever be associated with corruption and controversy, but his release from prison has allowed him to reflect on his past and chart a path forward.Blagojevich’s life offers a powerful lesson on the dangers of political ambition and the importance of maintaining integrity in public office. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a story of personal resilience, his journey remains an indelible part of Illinois’ political history.
