Illinois Democrats weigh candidates to replace House Speaker Welch
Welch’s decision to leave the speaker’s post followed a call for new leadership from 26 members of his own party. Their concerns included his response to accusations of sexual misconduct involving former state Rep. Harry Benton, as well as communication, internal operations and the handling of legislative priorities. In 2021, Welch became the first Black person to serve as speaker of the Illinois House and intended to hold the position for at least ten years.
Several lawmakers are being discussed as possible successors, including Ann Williams, Eva-Dina Delgado, Jehan Gordon-Booth, Mary Beth Canty and Lisa Hernandez. Kam Buckner and Jay Hoffman are also among the names in circulation. Canty chairs the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, and the prospect of a woman speaker has become a prominent part of the leadership discussion.
State Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. said he was contacting colleagues to seek their support. He said he had seen concerns about the previous speaker and believed he could lead differently. Canty has called for an opportunity for members to present their leadership plans and answer questions before the caucus decides.
Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions during the fall veto session, which begins November 17. The House is expected to choose its next speaker in January, possibly as soon as January 13, after the new General Assembly is sworn in.
Illinois Democrats have a chance to demand accountable House leadership
Illinois Democrats have an opportunity to choose a House speaker who takes seriously the chamber’s handling of harassment allegations and the need for open, functional leadership. Welch’s exit follows a push by 26 members of his own party, including criticism of his response to allegations involving former Rep. Harry Benton and concerns about communication and internal operations.
The next speaker will inherit a chamber where lawmakers say members need time to put forward their visions and question one another before a vote. State Rep. Mary Beth Canty has urged that kind of caucus-wide process. The leadership contest also offers a real possibility of Illinois electing its first woman speaker, with Canty, Ann Williams, Eva-Dina Delgado, Jehan Gordon-Booth and Lisa Hernandez among the women discussed as contenders.
Other names in circulation include Kam Buckner, Jay Hoffman and Marcus Evans Jr. Evans says he is asking colleagues for support and believes he can do things differently. The choice will matter not just for who holds the gavel, but for whether the chamber responds to members’ demands for better communication and a more credible approach to misconduct concerns.
Discussions are expected to intensify during the veto session beginning November 17. The House is expected to elect a speaker in January, possibly January 13. Members have time to make this a considered choice rather than another hurried leadership handoff.
Illinois Democrats face a test of competence after Welch’s exit
Illinois Democrats have forced a leadership change, but replacing Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will not by itself resolve their disputes over how the House is run or whether it can deliver on major priorities. The 26 lawmakers who demanded a new speaker cited his handling of claims of sexual misconduct involving former Rep. Harry Benton, internal communication and legislative issues. Members also raised concerns about the chamber’s approach to the Bears stadium debate and a 60-vote threshold rule.
The search includes Ann Williams, Eva-Dina Delgado, Jehan Gordon-Booth, Mary Beth Canty, Lisa Hernandez, Kam Buckner, Jay Hoffman and Marcus Evans Jr. A woman could become the first to lead the Illinois House, but the central test for any candidate will be whether colleagues believe that person can organize the chamber and move its priorities forward. Evans says he is seeking support and would lead differently.
Canty has called for candidates to present their plans to the caucus and take questions before members vote. That process could give Democrats more time to weigh the choices than they had during the 2021 leadership scramble.
The contest will develop during the veto session beginning November 17, with a House vote expected in January, potentially on January 13. The successor will have to address the concerns that drove members to withdraw support from Welch.
Reported by Chicago Sun-Times, FOX 32 Chicago.
