Welch Steps Down as Illinois House Speaker After 26 Democrats Call for New Leadership
The Illinois House speaker will not seek another term, a decision made after a coalition of 26 House Democrats urged a leadership change following Tuesday's election victories.
By Gavin Wilson ·
Twenty-six Illinois House Democrats have formally requested that Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch not seek another term, a coalition that holds enough votes to block his retention of the gavel. Welch's office confirmed on Thursday evening that he will not run for re-election as speaker. This decision comes after the Democratic caucus secured a historic majority in Tuesday's general election, a result Welch cited as a mandate to continue delivering results for Illinois voters.
Welch first assumed the speakership in January 2021, succeeding Mike Madigan. Madigan stepped aside after 19 House Democrats withdrew their support over sexual harassment allegations. Welch faced his own scrutiny regarding past conduct, including domestic violence allegations and sexual harassment claims from his time as a school board member in Proviso Township, before winning the leadership role. He is the first Black speaker in Illinois history and has led the chamber for three terms.
The call for Welch's departure followed months of internal criticism. A legislative inspector general report published in July found that Welch's office knew of a sexual harassment allegation against former Rep. Harry Benton as early as April 2023 but did not act until July. Despite this, Welch supported Benton's 2024 reelection bid, which the House Democratic campaign arm backed with $1.4 million in funding. Benton was not removed from the caucus or stripped of committee assignments until February of this year after two additional allegations were deemed founded.
The 26 members who signed the statement representing a broad spectrum of the caucus include four of Welch's handpicked leadership aides: Reps. Eva-Dina Delgado of Chicago, Lisa Hernandez of Cicero, Bob Morgan of Deerfield, and Katie Stuart of Edwardsville. Hernandez also serves as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. Rep. Jessica Dixon Heitman of Plainfield, Benton's successor, also signed the document. The group includes a majority of suburban members and nearly three-quarters women.
Rep. Mary Beth Canty of Arlington Heights, a signatory and chair of the House Democratic Women's Caucus, stated that she does not see a path for Welch to reach the 60 votes required to retain his position. She argued that a narrow majority would weaken the caucus's negotiating power during budget and legislative sessions. Canty emphasized that it is time for women to lead the chamber, citing the depth of talent available among experienced senior leaders.
Other friction points included Welch's handling of workplace culture and internal party dynamics. In September, he pulled his caucus out of the Democratic Party of Illinois' coordinated campaign due to a dispute over financial contributions, cutting members off from a steep postage discount. He also faced criticism for stripping Rep. Fred Crespo of his committee chairmanships and expelling him from the caucus for working on an independent budget plan. Crespo, who had previously called for Welch's resignation, signed the statement opposing the speaker.
The Democratic caucus is set to hold 84 or 85 seats in the next General Assembly, the largest majority either party has achieved under the current 118-member district system. This expansion resulted from a favorable national climate, a legislative map Welch helped pass, and significant fundraising. The legislative caucuses typically hold internal leadership elections when they return to Springfield for the veto session in November, meaning the race for the new speaker will begin shortly.
Welch described the caucus as finite in time but playing an infinite game, noting that diversity is its strength and unity is its power. He expressed pride in passing legislation on transit, cannabis, and energy, as well as securing investments in education. He said he serves at the pleasure of the caucus and looks forward to joining it as they usher in a new leader. Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl of Northbrook, another signatory, said the focus now turns to identifying who is best suited to lead the expanded statewide caucus.
