What's Next for Madigan?
Then-House Speaker Michael Madigan walks through the State Capitol building in 2018. After losing his control of the chamber, many have speculated what Madigan’s future in Springfield may entail, or if there’s any future at all as a rank-and-file legislator.
He has spent 50 years in the legislature, but could now-former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s days in the General Assembly be winding down?
Speculation about Madigan’s future began as soon as he suspended his effort for re-election as Speaker last week. He was then deposed by Rep. Chris Welch (R-Hillside). After Welch was elected Wednesday, Madigan’s statehouse office was being emptied.
WCIA’s Mark Maxwell saw aides moving Madigan out of his downtown Springfield apartment.
When the Sun-Times asked longtime Madigan spokesman Steve Brown if it was a signal Madigan was planning to resign, Brown said Madigan no longer needed the apartment he occupied for 40 years.
“No. They were downsizing. He doesn’t expect to be there as much. He probably didn’t need something like that, like he’s had over the years,” Brown told the Sun-Times. “He could just stay at a hotel. He’s probably just there for session days.”
Numerous House Democrats we spoke to say they have no idea what Madigan plans to do and has not even told some legislative confidants about his plans. Though most tell us privately they would be surprised if Madigan ever returns to Springfield as a rank-and-file Representative.