Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch succeeds Mike Madigan as Illinois House speaker
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Welch was elected Speaker when the 102nd General Assembly convened at noon Wednesday.
Welch is the first Black speaker, and takes over for Mike Madigan who has served in that role for all but two years, since 1983. As the speaker of this chamber, that s an awesome responsibility. I m honored, and my commitment is to do it to the best of my ability, Welch said.
JUST IN: State Rep Chris Welch will be the next House Speaker replacing Mike Madigan. @ABC7Chicago Craig Wall ABC 7 (@craigrwall) January 13, 2021
BREAKING: Welch secured 69 votes to lock up the Speaker position. Craig Wall ABC 7 (@craigrwall) January 13, 2021