West Cook News

State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) has been named House Speaker, succeeding former Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) who held the position for nearly 40 years.

Welch will be the first Black Speaker of the House. 

Welch’s record is not free and clear, however. Nearly 20 years ago there was a domestic violence charge against him, and Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider touched on that in his statement regarding Welch’s appointment.

Schneider said that while Madigan will finally be gone, he is only being replaced by “a top Madigan lieutenant.”

“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation,” Schneider said in the statement. “It’s now clear that House Democrats are doubling down on allowing Madigan’s corrupt machine to continue running state government.”

Schneider said instead of Madigan, the Democrats have now promoted what he calls a serial harasser and assaulter of women.

“But in spite of that, Welch passed the most important test this fall — he’s been a loyal Madigan ally for years but performed most recently as Madigan’s human shield in legislative hearings investigating the sweeping corruption scandal that ultimately brought Madigan down,” Schneider said. “This decision is a travesty for the people of Illinois, and we will make sure every voter understands that House Democrats just can’t quit Madigan.”

Welch was taken into custody in 2002 by Hillside Police after allegations were made that he battered his then-girlfriend and left a four-inch bruise on her arm. The victim later chose not to press charges. Welch later denied the incident the victim alleged had occurred. 

Officer James Peterson responded to the incident.

“During this verbal argument, (the victim) admitted telling Welch he was a ‘loser,’” Peterson said, West Cook News previously reported. “At that point, Welch became enraged and grabbed her hair with both hands and slammed her head backwards on the countertop multiple times. Afterwards, he let her hair go and backed away."

The victim claimed that when she tried to leave, Welch blocked the door. When she attempted to call the police, he prevented her from doing so.

“Now, being extremely scared because of his actions, (the victim) ran again to the back door and began screaming for help. Running around the home (Welch) then was able to grab a phone and run out the front door to call police," Peterson said, the news media reported.