Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) has renounced his support for House Speaker Mike Madigan.  

In a public statement, Morgan called upon his colleagues to usher in new leadership for Illinois House Democrats. Morgan, in no uncertain terms, wrote, “I want you to hear directly from me – I will not support Mike Madigan for House speaker. You deserve a government you can trust.”  

Madigan has had a long tenure within the Illinois House, beginning in 1972. He is currently the longest-serving member of the House, and has been speaker since 1983 with the exception of 1995-1997, when the House had a Republican majority. 

Morgan added, “I decided to run for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives because it is the people’s House and should reflect our collective voice. It can no longer be led by a speaker who is uniquely and completely distrusted by the people in our state.”  

Along with Morgan, several prominent Democrats have voiced similar sentiments towards Madigan, including state Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Morgan also reached out to his constituents for support, emphasizing the importance of their engagement in the political process.

“The challenges before the Illinois General Assembly are formidable and it is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work," he said. "We cannot do that work without you firmly behind us.” 

With the Nov. 3 elections being finalized, Madigan retained his seat without contest. 

“Mike Madigan has irreparably breached the trust of the people of Illinois and he cannot lead us any longer," he said. "I encourage my colleagues to cast a vote for change we can believe in, and reflect the great promise of the great State of Illinois.”