* Statement from Speaker Welch…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement Thursday:

“I have worked tirelessly to serve this House Democratic Caucus. It is one that I love, and deeply respect.

I have always told the caucus that our time in this space is finite, but we are playing an infinite game.

Diversity is our strength, but unity is our power. Together, we passed historic legislation on transit, cannabis and energy, and secured greater investments in education. We defended vulnerable seats and
grew our majority in every election under my leadership, building a historic House Democratic majority. I am proud of this work, but 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.

With that, I look forward to joining the caucus as we usher in our next leader and take our party further into the future.”

…Adding… Four of the 26 House Democrats who signed the letter calling for a new speaker issued this joint statement tonight…

The following is a joint statement from State Representatives Mary Beth Canty, Kelly Cassidy, Tracy Katz Muhl and Larry Walsh regarding Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s announcement that he will not seek another term as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives on Thursday:

“Speaker Welch has put the House Democratic Caucus before himself in his decision to clear the path for the emergence of new leadership. We look forward to continuing to work with him as a fellow legislator. Because the Speaker made his announcement today, he has rightly afforded us plenty of time to ensure the process for choosing a new speaker is deliberate and intentional. We must ensure our next speaker is able to take the time necessary to earn the support of our caucus members, without interference or a finger on the scale from the current Speaker’s operation. New leadership must work thoughtfully and conscientiously to build a consensus for how we can best serve the needs of the people of Illinois.”