After 50 years, Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) will resign from his legislative seat at the end of February. | Courtesy Photo
After 50 years, Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) will resign from his legislative seat at the end of February. | Courtesy Photo
After losing his long-held post as speaker of the Illinois House, embattled Rep. Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who largely set the political agenda, is resigning from the Legislature decades after first being elected.
His resignation is effective at the end of February.
Madigan’s announcement on Thursday will end a 50-year legislative career representing the Southwest side of Chicago and with most of it leading the House as the speaker.
Madigan’s 40-year run as speaker came to an end in January as pressure mounted for his resignation after being tied to a federal bribery investigation last summer. The investigation also involved the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine for its role but did not admit wrongdoing. Federal authorities have not charged Madigan with any crimes to date. The soon-to-be-former lawmaker has admitted no wrongdoing.
“It has been my great honor to serve the people of Illinois as speaker of the House and state representative of the 22nd District,” Madigan said in his statement. “This journey would not have been possible without my wonderful wife, Shirley, and children, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew, who have stood by my side year after year, providing their love and support despite the pressure of growing up in the public spotlight. I am fortunate to have them in my life.”
Madigan was first elected speaker in 1983. He served in the post for all but two years during Republican control of the House in the mid-1990s.
For now, Madigan remains chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party.
In his statement, the former House speaker said that people tried to tarnish his achievements to help residents over the years. Madigan did not give a reason why he was resigning.
“It’s no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements lifting up the working people of Illinois,” Madigan said. “The fact is, my motivation for holding elected office has never wavered. I have been resolute in my dedication to public service and integrity, always acting in the interest of the people of Illinois.”
As the Democratic committeeman for the 13th Ward, Madigan can select his successor for his legislative seat because he controls more than half of the weighted vote.
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