Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch Won't Seek Another Term Amid Democratic Opposition
Welch cited caucus unity and said legislators will choose a new leader after criticism over his response to a harassment investigation.
- Illinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch announced Thursday he will not seek another term as speaker, ending a leadership fight after 26 House Democrats demanded new direction.
- Twenty-Six incumbent and incoming House Democrats signed a letter opposing Welch, citing frustration over his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving former Rep. Harry Benton and workplace culture concerns.
- An inspector general report found 'clear patterns of conduct' by Benton that were 'outrageous, unethical and unbecoming,' while Welch apologized for his own interactions with a staffer, saying he was 'embarrassed.'
- Democrats are projected to hold at least 83 seats in the next General Assembly, and the House Democratic caucus must now determine who will succeed Welch as speaker.
- Rep. Mary Beth Canty, chair of the House Democratic Women's Caucus, said 'it is time for us to look to women to lead us' as the caucus prepares for a robust leadership race.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Welch will not seek new term as speaker after 26 House Democrats call for change – Capitol News IL – Wirepoints
Several lawmakers had concerns about House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch's handling of sexual harassment allegations among members and his heavy-handed management of the caucus. In September, Welch pulled his caucus out of the Democratic Party of Illinois’ coordinated campaign in a dispute over financial contributions. This divorce effectively cut Welch’s members off from the state party’s steep postage discount on campaign mailings.
Herald & Review
Muscatine JournalWelch won’t seek new term as speaker after Dems call for change
House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch will not seek another term after 26 House Democrats called for new leadership, citing concerns about his handling of harassment allegations and his leadership style.
Welch Will Not Seek New Term as Speaker After 26 House Democrats Call for Change
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s grasp on the chamber’s top job is tenuous with 26 incumbent and incoming House Democrats saying the supermajority caucus “needs new leadership.”
Capitol Fa - Your Illinois News Radar » Speaker Welch bows to reality, won’t run for another termCapitolFax.com
* Statement from Speaker Welch… SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement Thursday: “I have worked tirelessly to serve this House Democratic Caucus. It is one that I love, and deeply respect. I have always told the caucus that our time in this space is finite, but we are playing an infinite [...]
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