26 Illinois Democrats Call for New House Speaker
Twenty-six Democrats in the Illinois House are calling for new leadership, putting Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s hold on the chamber in jeopardy. Their statement, distributed late Wednesday, said they had become convinced the caucus needed a new leader and wanted a competitive speaker selection process. It did not name Welch or give a specific reason for the signers’ decision.
The call comes after revelations that Welch knew of sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton nearly three years before further complaints led to Benton’s resignation. Welch apologized for his handling of the case and said he had continued to support Benton because no formal complaint had triggered an investigation. Some lawmakers declined to join a working group Welch formed to discuss harassment reporting in the Capitol.
Nineteen of the signers are women, and four—including Democratic Party of Illinois chair Lisa Hernandez—are members of Welch’s leadership team. Their votes could block him from the speakership. He needs 60 votes, meaning he would need support from Republicans to win a fourth term.
The challenge follows Democrats’ strong showing in the general election. A political committee controlled by Welch raised $35 million to help win seats; with two races unresolved, Democrats could hold as many as 85 seats in the 118-member House. Welch had praised the operation hours before the statement was circulated. Lawmakers are due back in Springfield on November 17 for the fall veto session.
Harassment Scandal Puts Welch’s Speakership on the Line
Twenty-six Illinois House Democrats have made clear that a powerful speaker’s political operation cannot settle questions about how he handled sexual harassment allegations. Their call for new leadership puts Chris Welch’s bid for a fourth term at risk, even as Democrats enter the next General Assembly with a potentially historic majority.
The dispute centers on revelations that Welch knew about allegations against former Rep. Harry Benton nearly three years before additional complaints led to Benton’s resignation. Welch apologized for his handling of the case, but said he kept supporting Benton because no formal complaint had prompted an investigation. Some lawmakers also declined to take part in Welch’s working group on harassment reporting in the Capitol.
Nineteen signers are women, and four are on Welch’s leadership team. One signer, Rep. Anne Stava, said her decision was about believing survivors and creating a safer workplace. Their votes could deny Welch the 60 votes needed to retain the gavel, forcing him to seek Republican support.
The challenge is a test of whether lawmakers will treat workplace safety and leadership accountability as more important than party muscle. Welch’s political committee raised $35 million to help Democrats win seats, and the party could hold as many as 85 of 118 seats. The House returns to Springfield on November 17.
Democratic Speaker Faces Revolt After Party’s Election Gains
As Illinois Democrats celebrate sweeping House gains, 26 members of their own caucus are seeking a new speaker. Their move puts Chris Welch’s bid for a fourth term in doubt just as his political operation helped the party build an even larger majority.
The signers’ statement calls for new leadership but does not name Welch or spell out a shared reason. The revolt follows scrutiny of his handling of allegations against former Rep. Harry Benton. Welch apologized and said he had continued supporting Benton because no formal complaint had triggered an investigation. The dispute has also prompted criticism of Welch’s working group on harassment reporting, which some lawmakers chose not to join.
Welch’s committee raised $35 million to help Democrats win seats. With two races still unresolved, Democrats could hold as many as 85 seats in the 118-member House. The signers’ votes could nevertheless block Welch from reaching the 60 votes needed to lead the chamber, leaving him to seek Republican support.
The clash exposes tensions inside a party whose commanding election performance has not produced agreement on who should lead it. The statement’s signers say they want a robust speaker race, while Welch’s supporters face a challenge to his leadership. Lawmakers return to Springfield on November 17 for the fall veto session.
Reported by Chicago Sun-Times, FOX 32 Chicago.
