Chicago City Wire

Illinois Republicans reacted swiftly to Democratic lawmakers' choice to replace Rep. Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) as House speaker on Jan. 13, ending his decades-long tenure. 

In a historic move, the Democratic Caucus picked Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) as House speaker, making him the first Black person to hold the leadership post. 

Republicans quickly pounced on the selection, such as state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider, who said in a statement that Welch is a "top Madigan lieutenant," who was "credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault and retaliation." 

Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) | Photo Courtesy of Emanuel Welch's website

Welch was never charged, the Chicago Tribune reported. 

In response to republicans bringing up old accusations, Welch questioned why these allegations resurfaced now, the Chicago Tribune reported.

"At no other occasion have these events been brought up, and I firmly believe my Republican colleagues are threatened by the potential growth of my profile," Welch said in a statement, the Tribune reported.

Despite the early backlash from Republicans, Welch pledged to work with Democrats and Republicans to address the Prairie State's many issues, WGN9 reported. 

Madigan served as House speaker for 18 terms.

Madigan's influence will remain

The push for Madigan to leave the House speaker role had been growing in recent weeks ahead of the new legislative session that started on Jan. 13, when lawmakers would decide about the influential policy-making position. 

Madigan's status change, however, does not mean that his influence will subside. 

"Madigan's day is done, but his damage will live on, harming Illinois and regular Illinoisans for years to come," Republican strategist Chris Robling told the Chicago City Wire. "Illinois faces crushing debt and a long, hard road to fiscal sanity. All sides will have to bear some pain before any equitable solution can be achieved." 

What Welch's impact will be on Illinois is unknown thus far, but Robling said the state is in need of leadership. 

"We need real leadership in Springfield but have seen none for decades," Robling said. "Thus, we lose more residents by the month and drift closer to disaster."