Alexi Giannoulias

Making him the only Illinois Democrat Senate nominee in the 21st century to lose.

Alexander Giannoulias (born March 16, 1976) is an American financier and politician who is the Secretary of State of Illinois.

Upon earning his J.D. degree, Alexi returned to Chicago to take a management position with Broadway Bank, a community bank in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood founded by his father in 1979.

Giannoulias served on the board of directors of the Community Banker's Association of Illinois Legislative Committee, the South Side/Wabash YMCA, and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.

Giannoulias also founded and chaired the AG Foundation, a not-for-profit charity that donated money to treat child-related illnesses, curb poverty and assist disaster relief organizations.

Although the state Democratic Party led by House Speaker Mike Madigan backed his opponent, Paul Mangieri, in the primary, Giannoulias was endorsed by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Jesse Jackson Jr.., and by then-Senator Barack Obama.

The Chicago Sun-Times news group also endorsed Giannoulias in the general election, arguing that he would "bring valuable private enterprise experience from banking to the job" and praising his "creative" policy proposals like a securities lending program, improving Bright Start, and promoting green energy.

He also moved to foreclose on two debt-ridden hotels built in the 1980s by politically connected insiders in Springfield and Collinsville.

He then moved to Greece to play basketball with Panionios B.C. for a year (1998–99).

Giannoulias had played basketball at The Latin School of Chicago, and played Division III basketball at the University of Chicago.

He then played Division I basketball at Boston University.

After returning from Greece, Giannoulias attended Tulane University Law School.

The Fallen Heroes Scholarship Program, which Giannoulias designed in a partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, awards an initial investment of $2,500 in college savings to children who have lost a parent in military service since 2001.

A Democrat, Giannoulias defeated Republican treasurer candidate State Senator Christine Radogno in November 2006 with 54 percent of the vote, becoming the first Democrat to hold the office in 12 years, at the age of 30.

Running on a campaign platform that emphasized comprehensive ethics reform for the Treasurer's office, Giannoulias won the March 2006 primary and went on to defeat Republican candidate Christine Radogno in the general election.

On his first day as State Treasurer, Giannoulias "signed an executive order to enact the most comprehensive, widest-ranging ethics package of any elected official in the state", according to his official state website.

"The order prohibits [the Treasurer] from accepting contributions from banks, Treasurer's Office employees and contractors who do business with the office."

He previously served as the 72nd Illinois Treasurer from 2007 to 2011.

In 2008, Giannoulias announced the creation of the Bright Start Scholarship Program, which will award $3.5 million in need-based scholarships over 7 years, until 2015.

In 2009, Giannoulias worked to encourage Wells Fargo to cooperate in the sale of Chicago-based clothing manufacturer Hartmarx Corp., which was at risk of liquidation and had filed for Chapter 11 protection.

The success of this sale with Giannoulias' support saved over 600 jobs at an Illinois Hartmarx factory that otherwise would have been closed.

Wells Fargo, a primary lender for Hartmarx, is also "the money custodian for the treasurer's office, holding its cash and other financial assets."

Giannoulias publicly challenged Wells Fargo's obstruction of the sale, stating that "[Wells Fargo's] intention to liquidate Hartmarx rather than allow a sale to buyers intent on keeping the company running will significantly jeopardize the business relationship between Wells Fargo and the state of Illinois."

Giannoulias cited the fact that Wells Fargo received over $25 billion in federal TARP bailout funds as further reason why the bank should have supported the sale of Hartmarx instead of pursuing the company's liquidation.

In a public statement, Giannoulias said, "We expect companies that get state and federal taxpayer money to invest it in American jobs and American workers, not destroy companies that still have a chance to succeed."

Giannoulias launched the "Green Rewards" program, which gives a $1,000 rebate to Illinois residents who purchase a new hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicle.

In January 2009, the state of Illinois purchased $10 million worth of Israel Bonds.

Giannoulias said: "This is a good way to safely diversify our portfolio, especially during a time when some of our other investment options aren't generating as much revenue because of the market fluctuations here in the United States." According to Giannoulias, the Israel Bonds will mature in three years with a 2.43% rate of return, compared to U.S. government bonds yielding a 1.51% return during the same period.

In addition to revamping the Bright Start savings program, Giannoulias created several new scholarship programs for Illinois college students.

Giannoulias was a candidate in the 2010 elections for the seat in the United States Senate held by Roland Burris.

Burris, who was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the seat vacated by Barack Obama following Obama's election as President of the United States, chose not to seek election.

Giannoulias won the Democratic primary in February 2010, and narrowly lost the general elections in November 2010 to Republican Mark Kirk.

After 2010, Giannoulias mostly stepped back from public life, and served as Senior Director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

On June 26, 2018, he was confirmed to the Chicago Public Library Board, marking his first return to public service since leaving the Treasurer's office.

Giannoulias was elected secretary of state in the 2022 election, defeating Dan Brady to succeed longtime incumbent Jesse White.

Giannoulias was born in Chicago, to Greek immigrants.

His mother, Anna, is from Chania, and his late father, Alexis, was from Kalavryta.

He has two older brothers, Demetris and George.

Giannoulias attended The Latin School of Chicago and then the University of Chicago before transferring to Boston University.

Giannoulias graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in economics.