Emanuel “Chris” Welch is resigning as Illinois House Speaker amid controversy over his handling of an investigation into harassment allegations against a state representative.
Just days after the 2026 midterm elections, Welch has announced he will step down from his role leading the Democratic caucus in the chamber, with legislators choosing a new leader for their new session.
“I have worked tirelessly to serve this House Democratic Caucus. It is one that I love, and deeply respect, he said in a statement. “I have always told the caucus that our time in this space is finite, but we are playing an infinite game. I serve at the pleasure of the caucus, and I want our caucus to lead in unity and take on the mandate we received from voters this past election confidently.”
Welch has faced criticism over his handling of allegations made against former State Rep. Harry Benton, who resigned his seat earlier this summer after an Inspector General’s report found “clear patterns of conduct” that were “outrageous, unethical and unbecoming” following accusations he sexually harassed a former staffer.
Benton was removed from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped of committee assignments before finally stepping down.
Questions have arisen over what Welch knew and when he knew it, and numerous high-profile lawmakers and organizations called for his resignation.
“I serve at the pleasure of the caucus,” he had told NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern earlier this year. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in this role for three terms. I have given my best every day that I have the opportunity to walk into that capitol, and I’ll continue to serve at the pleasure of the caucus.”
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