12-02-2025
Reactions to the conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Reactions came quickly in the wake of the historic verdicts against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and one of his long-time political confidants.
Madigan, after more than two months of testimony, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud Wednesday. The jury deadlocked on several other counts.
He had been the longest-serving House speaker in the nation when he stepped down in 2021. While in office, exerted considerable influence on the state's political affairs.
Madigan, who was speaker for more than three decades and once led the Democratic Party of Illinois, was found guilty of conspiracy, bribery, wire fraud and other counts related to schemes involving the state's largest utility, ComEd, and efforts to get that alderman a state board job.
The federal jury acquitted him or deadlocked on counts related to an apartment project, a parking lot in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood and AT&T legislation.
The 23-count federal indictment accused him of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to utility companies that doled out kickbacks, jobs and contracts to his loyalists. An attorney, Madigan, was also accused of benefiting from private work that was illegally steered to his law firm, the charges alleged.
Reaction from around the state:
State Sen. , (D-Peoria)
'The case of Mike Madigan demonstrates that ethics are crucial and that no one is above the law. In this instance, ethics prevailed, and democracy was upheld. When these values are trampled upon, democracy suffers. The verdict of this case is an important reminder for everyone in public service who we work for.'
Deputy Minority Leader and State Rep. (R-Peoria)
'Today's verdict doubles down on what House Republican lawmakers have known for some time: the culture of corruption that has poisoned our statehouse must come to an end. Lawmakers must remain steadfast in our work to expose ethical loopholes that have eroded public trust. The time is now for honest, transparent government, one families across our state can rely on.'
State Rep. (R-Macomb)
'Speaker Madigan ruled the Illinois House of Representatives with an iron fist. His reach extended from the 13th Ward in Chicago to the State Capitol in Springfield to the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. After a five-months-long federal trial on bribery, racketeering and corruption, federal prosecutors demonstrated what those of us who served with Madigan already knew: nearly every decision, legislative action, no-show job, and state board seat that the former Speaker involved himself in came down to one thing – how Mike Madigan could enhance his political power and enrich himself personally. After decades of absolute power for personal gain, justice has finally been served.'
Austin Berg, vice president of marketing for the Illinois Policy Institute and author of 'The New Chicago Way.'
'The verdict of this case held former Speaker Madigan accountable for his years of corrupt action, but the battle against Illinois' culture of political corruption must continue. To truly protect taxpayers and voters, we need serious ethics reforms at both the state and city level.'
David Greising, president of the Better Government Association
'Today's jury delivered justice to Michael Madigan, convicting him for multiple schemes of public corruption. Now it is time for the state legislature to take note and act boldly where they so far have been timid: Preventing future corruption by enacting ethics reforms that are long overdue.'
This story will be updated.
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