Eighteen House Democrats who did not support former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s bid for another term as speaker in 2021 react to news of his indictment Wednesday.

While the House debated legislation Wednesday, news of former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s (D-Chicago) indictment on 22 corruption charges rattled the chamber and brought a variety of reactions.   

Republicans slammed Madigan and members in the Democratic caucus for having worked with him, while a group of Democrats who blocked Madigan’s election to another term as speaker gave an emotional response to the news. Madigan’s successor, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside), said the House is moving forward in a new direction under his leadership.