The future starts now for Welch, a savvy politician whose rapid ascendance through the party ranks was no accident, but rather the result of shrewd relationship building. A majority of Illinois voters have wanted a change from Madigan’s leadership. Now they finally get their chance.
One day after state House Speaker Michael Madigan announced a suspension but not a withdrawal of his campaign for another term as speaker, a state representative who has been accused of being a staunch Madigan protector has launched a bid for the post.
Sun-Times Media
SPRINGFIELD State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch gathered crucial support in his bid to be the next speaker of the Illinois House on Tuesday, picking up backing from the Latinx Caucus and seeing two of his rivals exit the race.
In a vote late Tuesday, 50 House Democrats voted for Welch for speaker, and 15 chose downstate state Rep. Jay Hoffman, sources told the Chicago Sun-Times. Another eight voted present.
After the state House and Senate worked until shortly before 6:30 a.m. Wednesday debating and voting on a flurry of final bills for the lame-duck session, House Democrats planned to meet again behind closed doors Wednesday morning in an effort to decide on a speaker to succeed Mike Madigan as well as vote on any final bills.
(emanuelchriswelch.com)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch is now the top contender to take over as Illinois House Speaker.
The Hillside Democrat could become Illinois’ first Black House Speaker if he garners 60 votes on Wednesday.
Welch gained traction as a candidate after Speaker Mike Madigan suspended his campaign on Monday.
State Representatives Ann Williams and Stephanie Kifowit dropped out of the Speaker’s race Tuesday night.
Welch has received unanimous support from the Legislative Black Caucus, after a majority of its members originally endorsed Madigan.
House Democrats were expected to hold another caucus meeting Wednesday morning.
Party members could have a new leader in place before ending the lame duck session.
“She deserves a lot of credit for sticking her neck out there when nobody else would.”
So many people in the comments here were mocking her for running because she didn’t have the path to 60 votes. She was the first one to step up and challenge the Speaker. That deserves so much credit because of how unprecedented it is in this state.
Smart money seems to be on Welch, then.
Deals have been cut. It’ll either be Madigan or Madigan’s guy and Rita Mayfield will be right, one way or other.
=== It’ll either be Madigan===
This is why taking you seriously is folly.