Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich releases new prison memoir

Rod Blagojevich Ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich releases new prison memoir Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich released a prison memoir. By ABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, November 10, 2026 6:50PM Share CHICAGO (WLS) -- Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich released a prison memoir. "Framed, [ expletive ] , and Freed: A Governor's Odyssey" hit the shelves on Tuesday. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch Blagojevich sat down with ABC7's Tanja Babich to talk about the book. The title of the book alone shows that Blagojevich maintains his innocence. Blagojevich said that in his memoir, he has conversations with political figures including Gov. JB Pritzker, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and President Donald Trump. He said that chapter 23 goes into detail about the "deep, dark valley" he was in while in prison. Blagojevich also went on to speak highly of his wife. He called her a hero for how she raised their daughters alone for nearly a decade while running a business. Rod Blagojevich documentary 'Being Blago' | Watch full episodes featuring ex-Illinois governor When asked what his professional life looks like now, he said he works in consulting and lobbying. Morgan Park High School students walk out after football team staff changes 1 hour ago Chicago-area father dies shortly after ICE's deportation process to Pakistan Juanita Boyd cold case solved after 40 years, La Porte County Sheriff's Office says 1 hour ago Due to his conviction, he is not eligible to run for state office; however he is able to run at the federal level. When asked if he has considered running for political office again, he said that Trump asked him the same question before pardoning him. Rod Blagojevich gives first interview from Chicago home, says his 'conviction was wrong,' thanks President Trump Blagojevich explained that although he will always have the "competitive bug," his biggest obstacle is his wife. " [ She ] has made it abundantly clear, publicly, that if I do that again, I'll have to do that with my second wife," he said. When asked what party affiliation he would run under, he said he was a "Trump-ocrat." "I would be a Democrat for Trump," he said. "I am a Democrat, but I think American politics has changed a lot." Related Stories: What Rod Blagojevich whispered on plane ride home from prison after sentence commuted Former Blagojevich aide recalls 'bizarre' days working for disgraced governor Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics POLITICS CHICAGO ROD BLAGOJEVICH BOOKS Blagojevich asking Trump for clemency for ex-ComEd CEO in bribery case Longtime ABC7 Chicago courtroom sketch artist Andy Austin dies Praise, criticism after Trump pardons former IL Gov. Blagojevich President Trump pardons ex-Illinois Gov. Blagojevich Watch Live ON NOW Morgan Park HS students walk out after football team staff changes 1 hour ago Local father dies shortly after ICE's deportation process to Pakistan Juanita Boyd cold case solved after 40 years in NW Indiana 1 hour ago Man shot while driving on North Side: Chicago police 14 minutes ago Blood drive set for Tuesday as CPD officers battle cancer 42 minutes ago CPD questions person of interest in Auburn Gresham sex assault 1 hour ago Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie reopening 1 hour ago Meghan Markle supports Prince Harry after pulling out of joint address 7 minutes ago