Capitol News Illinois
Newly-elected House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, passes a seated Rep. Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, as he returns to his seat on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center on Wednesday, Jan. 13, after being nominated to replace Madigan as speaker.
Credit Jerry Nowicki of Capitol News Illinois
Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch made history Wednesday, Jan. 13, by becoming the first Black person elected speaker of the Illinois House, succeeding Rep. Michael Madigan, who leaves the job after serving for 36 of the past 38 years.
The House came into session Wednesday afternoon to begin the 102nd General Assembly just moments after it adjourned a rare lame duck session that ended the 101st biennial session.