SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following Wednesday’s indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, “The 19” House Democrats who rejected his candidacy for leadership released the following statement: “Thirteen months ago, we 19 Democrats made clear to our colleagues that we would not support Michael Madigan for speaker. We knew that our chamber, our state, and our party deserved better leadership and the unfolding corruption scandal would only continue to erode public confidence.
“This is a watershed moment for our state that reminds us of the work ahead as the former speaker’s case makes its way through the legal system. We remain grateful to the people who joined us in bringing historic change to our party and our chamber.
“The possibility that this day was coming and would distract us from our work on behalf of the people we serve was top of mind for many of us as we took this position, even as we faced intense pressure to maintain the status quo.
“Our stance eventually led to the historic election of our state’s first Black speaker, who has led our caucus through the process of passing transformative legislation on clean energy, affordable housing, and a truly balanced budget. We are committed to continuing the work of restoring our constituents’ faith in Illinois government.”
State Rep. Jonathan Carroll
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy
State Rep. Deb Conroy
State Rep. Terra Costa Howard
State Rep. Margaret Croke
State Rep. Eva Dina Delgado
State Rep. Daniel Didech
State Rep. Robyn Gabel
State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
State Rep. Will Guzzardi
State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit
State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
State Rep. Anna Moeller
State Rep. Bob Morgan
State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray
State Rep. Maurice West
State Rep. Ann Williams
State Rep. Kathy Willis
State Rep. Sam Yingling