The longest serving legislative leader in the history of the United States has been replaced. Michael Madigan is no longer the Speaker of the House in Illinois. Chris Welch was elected Wednesday as Speaker, the Westchester Democrat received 70 votes to be elected to the position.
Welch told assembled lawmakers that he wants unity across party lines to be able to improve Illinois.
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He becomes the first black speaker of the house in the history of the state. Madigan had been Illinois House Speaker for all but 2 years since 1983 and in a statement, wished Welch all the best.
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