Michael Frerichs

“I grew up in a small farming town, and I've never forgotten that my job is to protect the hard-earned money of Illinois families.”

Michael Frerichs is the Illinois State Treasurer, first elected in 2014 and now serving his third term as the state’s chief investment and banking officer. He grew up in the small farming community of Gifford in downstate Illinois, the son of a union truck driver and a university secretary, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University.

Before entering statewide office, Frerichs built a technology business in Champaign County, volunteered as a firefighter, and served on the county board and as county auditor, becoming a Certified Public Finance Officer. He then represented east-central Illinois in the State Senate, where he championed college affordability as chair of the Higher Education Committee.

As Treasurer, Frerichs has expanded programs that help Illinois families save and invest, including college and disability savings plans and efforts to return unclaimed property to residents. With roots in both downstate and university communities, he focuses on protecting taxpayer money, promoting financial security, and investing responsibly on behalf of the state.