26 Democrats demand new Illinois House speaker

Twenty-six Democratic state representatives issued a letter late Wednesday calling for new leadership in the Illinois House. The group represents nearly a third of the caucus that will be sworn in with the new General Assembly in January. Their statement did not name a specific reason for the push, but it came shortly after Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch commented on his party’s recent electoral gains.

The demand for change follows revelations over the summer that Welch was aware of sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield. These allegations surfaced almost three years before additional complaints led to Benton’s resignation. North Side state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who distributed the letter, described the working group Welch formed to address the issue as “lip service” to a culture of harassment in Springfield.

The signatories include four members of Welch’s own leadership team. Among them is Cicero state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois and the deputy majority leader. Assistant majority leaders Eva-Dina Delgado, Bob Morgan, and Katie Stuart also signed the document. Nineteen of the 26 signatories are women. Three incoming representatives who won seats with Welch’s backing were also on the list, including state Rep.-elect Jessica Dixon Heitman.

Welch’s spokesperson did not offer an immediate comment on the letter. Hours before the letter was released, Welch said his operation demonstrated what a winning political strategy looks like. His party expanded its control of the House to a modern record 78-40 supermajority in 2022. In Tuesday’s general election, his committee raised $35 million to flip at least five more seats. With two seats still in play, the Democratic majority could reach 85-33.

The votes from the 26 signatories are sufficient to block Welch from securing the gavel for a fourth term. He would need support from Republicans to reach the 60-vote majority required to lead the chamber. State Rep. Anne Stava, D-Downers Grove, said her decision was based on believing women who come forward as survivors. She added that creating a safer workplace is essential for those who look to the Speaker for guidance.

Welch was elected in 2021 as Illinois’ first Black speaker after Michael Madigan stepped down. Legislators later set a five-term limit for the position. The Benton investigation raised questions about Welch’s own conduct, including social media interactions with a complainant that left her uncomfortable. A 2002 police report alleging he slammed a woman’s head into a countertop also returned to public view, though he was never criminally charged and has denied wrongdoing.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Springfield on November 17 for the fall veto session.