The Latest Breaking News from Emanuel Chris Welch

Illinois Gov. Pritzker ran a cautious reelection campaign. Will he play it safe in 2nd term?

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker begins his second term Jan. 9 emboldened by a decisive reelection victory, a slew of wins in November by Democratic candidates he helped fund and a series of legislative successes that formed the foundation of his bid for another four years in Springfield.

Chicago Tribune · Jan 4, 2023

Illinois commemorates Barack Obama’s 2007 presidential announcement with marker at Old State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The weather turned frigid in the state capital on Wednesday, just in time for the dedication of a marker commemorating the day nearly 16 years ago when thousands braved single-digit temperatures to see then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announce his 2008 presidential bid from the steps of the…

Chicago Tribune · Nov 30, 2022

Only ‘wave’ Illinois Republicans see in Legislature is the farewell one from Durkin as House GOP leader

State House GOP Leader Jim Durkin’s decision not to seek reelection as minority leader reflects the dissatisfaction among many establishment Republicans. “I began this journey as a voice of moderation and conclude this journey the same way I started, a voice of moderation,” Durkin said.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 10, 2022

Chicago Democrats pitching 2024 convention present picture of unity to national party despite tension over leadership battle

CHICAGO — Illinois’ top Democrats gathered on a Fulton Market venue stage Tuesday in an attempt to present a unified front to national party officials reviewing Chicago’s 2024 presidential convention bid, masking an intensifying battle over control of the state Democratic Party.

Chicago Tribune · Jul 27, 2022

Illinois House leaders will have to find a way to work together

In an interview last week, House Speaker Chris Welch called House Republican Leader Jim Durkin a “failed leader.” A Durkin spokeswoman, in turn, called Welch “unhinged.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 15, 2022

Illinois leaders delay special session on reproductive rights

CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Democratic leaders in the Illinois General Assembly are pushing back a planned special legislative session aimed at increasing legal protections for abortion providers and patients in Illinois.

Chicago Tribune · Jul 5, 2022

Young progressives, Trump-affiliated Republicans big winners on election day

Meanwhile, the four Illinois legislative leaders did not have a spectacular primary day last week.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 1, 2022

House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch’s wife among clout-heavy winners in primary judge races

ShawnTe Raines-Welch topped three opponents in the Democratic primary race for judge in a suburban judicial district. A candidate tied to Welch’s predecessor, ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, didn’t fare as well.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 29, 2022

Strong Democratic Party of Illinois bid to become early presidential primary state

“There is no better state for a Democratic presidential candidate to introduce themselves to voters than Illinois,” said the bid, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 8, 2022

New census figures show Illinois’ population change was actually a modest gain, but experts say warning signs remain

CHICAGO — Brooke Landrum came to Chicago from Cincinnati in 2016 to attend Loyola University, and after graduation she decided to stay and settle into the bustling Lakeview neighborhood.

Chicago Tribune · May 23, 2022