The Rise and Fall of Mike Madigan: Illinois' Most Powerful Politician

Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson. Ald. Ed Burke.

These are just a few of many corruption trials Chicagoans have seen unfold at the federal courthouse downtown.

But the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan — the state’s most powerful politician for decades — could be the biggest yet.

Before his federal corruption trial begins Tuesday, we’re looking at the power he wielded and how he lost it.

Why is Madigan on Trial?

Madigan is accused of accepting bribes from businesses — in the form of sham jobs for his allies — in exchange for favorable legislation, WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky told City Cast Chicago. He faces nearly two dozen counts of federal racketeering and bribery along with former ComEd lobbyist and ally Michael McClain.

Let’s Look at Madigan’s Rise & Fall From Power

Crain’s highlighted watershed moments in Madigan’s career.

1940s

When Madigan was born, his father was already involved in local politics as a Streets & Sanitation superintendent and a friend of future Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.

1960s

After graduating from Loyola’s law school, Madigan became a hearing officer for the Illinois Commerce Commission and a public utilities consultant for the city. He was elected 13th Ward committeeperson and as a delegate to the state’s constitutional convention, where he helped write the rules Springfield follows today.

1970s

Madigan was elected to represent the Southwest Side in the Illinois House, a post he’d keep for 50 years.

1980s

Madigan became House Speaker in ‘83, a role he would hold for a total of 36 years. Madigan holds the record as the longest-serving state legislative leader in modern U.S. history.

1990s

Madigan briefly lost the speakership when Republicans were in control of the chamber. He became the chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, another title he held for decades.

2000s to 2010s

During this era, Madigan led an impeachment inquiry against Blagojevich and helped solidify Democratic supermajorities.

2019

The FBI raided the homes of close Madigan allies — including McClain.

2020

Outlining a bribery scheme connected to ComEd, feds referred to the speaker as “Public Official A.” The ComEd Four — which included McClain — were charged with bribery.

2021

Fellow House Democrats successfully challenged Madigan’s speaker re-election bid. He resigned as representative and party chair, too.

Other Related Trials You Should Know About

• In Snyder v. United States, the high court decided that after-the-fact “gratuities” don’t fall under federal bribery laws. Madigan’s trial was delayed six months because of the case.
• The ComEd Four asked to have their convictions tossed after the Snyder decision came down.
• The case of a former AT&T executive accused of bribing Madigan ended in a mistrial after a jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict.

What’s Next?

Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in a trial that could last weeks — if not months — with dozens of key witnesses including FBI informant and former 25th Ward Ald. Danny Solis.

If you want to learn more about the size and scope of Madigan’s influence, listen to “The Madigan Rule” podcast. We’ll be relistening 🫡