Mike Madigan
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Michael Madigan (born April 19, 1942) is an American politician and convicted felon who is the former speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the longest-serving leader of any state or federal legislative body in the history of the United States, having held the position for all but two years from 1983 to 2021. He served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021. He represented the 27th District from 1971 to 1983, the 30th district from 1983 to 1993, and the 22nd district from 1993 to 2021. This made him the body's longest-serving member and the last legislator elected before the Cutback Amendment. Chicago Magazine named Madigan as the fourth most powerful Chicagoan in 2012 and as the second in both 2013 and 2014, earning him the nickname "the Velvet Hammer—a.k.a. the Real Governor of Illinois." Rich Miller, editor of Illinois political newsletter the Capitol Fax, wrote, "the pile of political corpses outside Madigan's Statehouse door of those who tried to beat him one way or another is a mile high and a mile wide." He was frequently considered the state's political boss and controlled all redistricting in the state for several decades, as well as being chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois for over 20 years. Madigan's patronage network in state and local bodies was extensive. On January 11, 2021, Madigan announced he would be suspending his effort to be elected to a nineteenth term as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, and on January 13, he was replaced by fellow Democrat Chris Welch. Madigan announced that he would resign as state representative effective at the end of February. On February 18, he announced that his resignation would take effect that same day. On March 2, 2022, Madigan was indicted on federal racketeering charges, with prosecutors alleging that Madigan led a criminal enterprise that sought to enhance his political power and enrich him and his allies. His trial began on October 8, 2024. On February 12, 2025, Madigan was convicted on ten counts of bribery, wire fraud, and Travel Act violations. He was sentenced to 7½ years in prison and a $2.5 million fine.