After 50 years as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, longtime former speaker Mike Madigan has submitted his resignation to House managers, saying he will vacate his seat at the end of the month.
Madigan was first elected in 1970 representing his longtime home neighborhood in Chicago. He was first elected as speaker in 1983 and served in that capacity for all but two years until failing to gain enough votes last month to remain as speaker. He was replaced by suburban representative Chris Welch.
In his five decades in the General Assembly, Madigan has overseen significant legislative achievements such as approving same-sex marriage in the state as well as the $15-an-hour minimum wage which went into effect during Governor J.B. Pritzker’s current tenure.
Madigan said in a statement today that he is proud of the collaborations that he had with various state groups over the years, playing a part in revitalizing McCormick Place and Navy Pier in Chicago, as well as keeping the White Sox on the south side of Chicago during their attempted move to Tampa Bay in 1989.
The former speaker was known for his dominating influence as chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party and state government. He notoriously clashed with former governors Rod Blagojevich and Bruce Rauner over budget issues.
A spokeman for Madigan did not comment on his future as chairman of the state party.
