The new Illinois House speaker, Emanuel "Chris" Welch | File photo
The new Illinois House speaker, Emanuel "Chris" Welch | File photo
The Republican Party of Illinois, long-time critics of former House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), did not have anything good to say about his successor, Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside).
“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation,” the Illinois GOP said in a statement.
The GOP called the choice of Welch “a travesty for the people of Illinois, and we will make sure every voter understands that House Democrats just can’t quit Madigan.”
Madigan, the longest-serving leader of a legislative body in U.S. history, could not muster the 60 votes on Jan. 13 to remain House speaker.
Welch will be Illinois’ first Black speaker of the House.
“It is time for new leadership in the House,” Madigan said in a statement, WGN reported. “I wish all the best for Speaker-elect Welch as he begins a historic speakership. It is my sincere hope today that the caucus I leave to him and to all who will serve alongside him is stronger than when I began.”
Madigan, 78, has led the House “almost continuously” since 1983, WGN reported. In 2020, he was linked to an alleged bribery scheme involving ComEd utility company, although he has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing. ComEd acknowledged having a role and paid a $200 million fine.
In 2002, police were called to Welch’s home in west suburban Hillside and were told by an ex-girlfriend alleged that he assaulted her after calling him a loser. No charges were filed.
In 2010, another woman accused Welch of sexual harassment and retaliation in a federal lawsuit. She alleged she lost her job at Proviso High School because she broke up with Welch while he was president of the school board. The case was dismissed.
In a statement, Welch questioned why allegations are surfacing now, the Chicago Tribune reported.
“At no other occasion have these events been brought up, and I firmly believe my Republican colleagues are threatened by the potential growth of my profile,” Welch said in the statement.
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