How Illinois political insiders protected Madigan, rewarded themselves
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison but his allies now run the Illinois House and Illinois Democratic Party. The rules he created to run his machine still work for new operators.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and a $2.5 million fine, ending his era in Illinois politics but not his influence: his allies took over his leadership roles and now operate the machine he built.
The ComEd bribery scheme: How Madigan’s machine worked
In 2020, federal prosecutors revealed ComEd, Illinois’ largest electric utility, engaged in a yearslong bribery scheme for favors from Madigan. The utility traded contracts, do-nothing jobs and legal business to Madigan’s allies in exchange for favorable legislation. It also meant internships for loyalists and a board seat for one of Madigan’s picks.
Though Madigan denied wrongdoing, the evidence mounted. Federal subpoenas, raids and indictments tied to ComEd and other schemes pointed directly to his operation. Madigan was indicted on racketeering charges in 2022 and found guilty of multiple federal charges, including bribery conspiracy, in February 2025.
How Springfield insiders shut down the investigation
When Madigan was implicated, but not charged, in the ComEd bribery scheme in 2020, an Illinois House committee was tasked with investigating his role. But that committee, led by Madigan allies state Reps. Chris Welch and Lisa Hernandez, quickly shut down the inquiry.
Democrats blocked witness testimony and stonewalled subpoenas, even after federal prosecutors gave the green light. Now that Madigan is going to jail, there was clearly enough evidence for a real investigation.
Illinois voters deserve accountability, not rewards for insiders
Welch, who chaired that committee, went on to take over for Madigan as Illinois House speaker in 2021. Hernandez took over as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois after Madigan stepped down.
While federal prosecutors exposed the corruption, Illinois Democrats protected their leader. Voters were denied transparency, and the insiders who shielded Madigan were rewarded with promotions instead of accountability.
Madigan’s legacy lives on in other ways:
• 57 sitting state lawmakers owe Madigan for getting them campaign cash that helped get them elected.
• Illinois state lawmakers still create their own gerrymandered legislative and congressional districts using a system Madigan helped perfect.
• The House Rules that dictate how the Illinois House of Representatives conducts its business still gives the House speaker, Welch, singular power to decide which bills can advance to become law.
Illinois deserves better. True reform means breaking the grip of entrenched insiders and restoring fairness and transparency to state government.