Michael Madigan Suspends His Campaign For Illinois House Speaker

The embattled lawmaker says this is not a withdrawal and that Democrats should find someone else to win the 60 votes needed to become speaker.

By Stephanie Kim

Jan 11, 2021, 5:30pm CT

In this July 21, 2015 file photo, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Springfield. Seth Perlman, File

Michael Madigan Suspends His Campaign For Illinois House Speaker

The embattled lawmaker says this is not a withdrawal and that Democrats should find someone else to win the 60 votes needed to become speaker.

By Stephanie Kim

Jan 11, 2021, 5:30pm CT

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After more than three decades at the helm, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is suspending his campaign to retain his powerful leadership position. Madigan won only 51 votes in a closed-door roll call held Sunday by House Democrats.

Reset discusses what led to Madigan’s decision and what it means for the future of the Democratic Party in Illinois.

GUESTS: Dave McKinney, WBEZ state politics reporter

John Chase, director of investigations at Better Government Association