Who is next in line to succeed the Governor of Illinois?

The Lieutenant Governor is next in line to succeed the Governor of Illinois. This succession line is established by the Illinois Constitution, which designates the Lieutenant Governor to take over the duties of the Governor in the event that the Governor cannot fulfill their responsibilities due to reasons such as resignation, impeachment, or death. The position of Lieutenant Governor is specifically intended to ensure continuity in the executive leadership of the state, making it a critical role in Illinois' government structure.

Other positions mentioned, like the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Comptroller, have important roles within the Illinois government, but they do not hold the direct line of succession to the Governor. The Secretary of State oversees vehicle registrations and maintains official state records, the Attorney General serves as the state's chief legal officer, and the Comptroller manages the state’s finances. However, none of these roles would step in for the Governor in a succession scenario as clearly as the Lieutenant Governor does.