New Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch Calls For ‘Unity’ In Springfield

It’s the beginning of a new era in Springfield.

Jan. 15, 2021, 5:16 p.m. CT

Illinois state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, at the Illinois Capitol Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Springfield, Ill. Ted Schurter / The State Journal-Register via AP, Pool

New Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch Calls For ‘Unity’ In Springfield

It’s the beginning of a new era in Springfield.

By Meha Ahmad, Stephanie Kim

Jan. 15, 2021, 5:16 p.m. CT

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State Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, a five-term Democrat from Hillside, is now the first Black House speaker in Illinois history. He was elected Wednesday, ending Michael Madigan’s record-setting reign as speaker.

Reset brings on Speaker Welch to discuss his priorities in Springfield.

GUEST: State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside), newly elected Illinois House speaker