CHICAGO — Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker and longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in a high-profile corruption trial that has drawn significant attention. A jury found him guilty on 10 counts while acquitting him of seven others, leaving six counts unresolved after more than 10 days of deliberation.
Madigan, who held his position for over three decades and once led the Democratic Party of Illinois, was implicated in schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd, and efforts to secure a state board position for a Chicago alderman. The trial, which began in October 2024, featured testimony from over 60 witnesses, including business leaders and former state legislators, as well as evidence including recordings and photographs of alleged misconduct.
Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual characterized the conviction as “historic,” emphasizing that Illinois residents deserve a trustworthy government. He stated, “Time and again, Madigan abused the tremendous power he wielded,” highlighting the serious implications of the case for public trust in government.
Federal prosecutors accused Madigan of leveraging his political influence to pass legislation that favored utility companies, which in turn provided kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to his allies.
The trial also illustrated Madigan’s complex operation behind the scenes, where the lines between his political and legal roles often blurred. Despite his lengthy career, Madigan famously avoided using a cellphone or email, conducting business through in-person meetings at his law office.
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon described the verdict as the conclusion of a “long, disturbing” chapter in the state’s history, underscoring the need for public trust in government. He remarked, “It’s a stark reminder that corruption, abuse of power and manipulation of public policy for personal gain can never be tolerated.”
Following the verdict, area State Senator Erica Harriss emphasized the necessity for ethics reform in Illinois, calling the conviction a “clear call to action” to address the entrenched culture of corruption. She stated that the time for strengthening ethics laws is now, as lawmakers prepare for a new General Assembly session.
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) issued the following statement after the Mike Madigan verdict was announced:
“Former Speaker Michael Madigan has plagued Illinois with his organized corruption and today’s guilty verdict speaks to all citizens that bad behavior by politicians will have consequences,” said Rep. Schmidt.
“Republicans continue to call for ethics reform, truth, and transparency from state government. The culture of corruption in Illinois has had a negative impact on the General Assembly and the people who are served by elected officials. This verdict is a good start, but we have a lot of work to do to make sure that we move past the ‘Madigan Way’ in the General Assembly.”
Mike Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud.House Republicans continue to urge the General Assembly to take swift action on ethics reform.
Following the jury’s decision in Mike Madigan’s Federal bribery trial, the Illinois House Republican Organization released the following statement:
“Today, the jury confirmed what the public has suspected for years – that Mike Madigan built a political machine to favor his friends and enrich himself at the expense of Illinois families. For decades, he used his office to consolidate power, reward allies, and protect a corrupt system that put special interests ahead of taxpayers.
This conviction is a step toward justice, but it is not enough. The culture of corruption in Springfield did not start or end with Mike Madigan. Many members of the General Assembly benefited from his political operation, accepted his money, and enabled his reign. They must be held accountable.”
Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) released the following statement in reaction to today’s guilty verdict on ten counts of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud in the federal corruption trial of former Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan:
“This trial laid bare the corruption and insider dealmaking that were the hallmarks of Speaker Madigan’s reign. Decades of absolute power, controlling every aspect of the legislative and political process in Illinois. Madigan abused his power to reward party loyalists and political hacks with ghost jobs, while enriching himself personally and politically. What this months-long trial made perfectly clear was that Mike Madigan was the Godfather of the Democrats’ Culture of Corruption.”
Madigan, who left office in 2021 amid an investigation and was indicted the following year, has maintained a low profile during the trial, taking notes and attending proceedings with family members, including his daughter, Lisa Madigan, a former Illinois attorney general.
As the state grapples with the implications of the verdict, leaders from both parties have reiterated the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent future corruption and restore public confidence in government operations.
