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* Filling Greg Harris’ shoes will not be easy, but Gabel is a very talented legislator and JG-B has clearly shown that she has the legislative chops to handle her tough assignment. Rep. Lisa Hernandez being moved up to deputy is also noteworthy since she is also state party chair. Leader Gabel, by the way, was a member of the “19” who refused to reelect Speaker Madigan. It’s a new day…
Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team Thursday, which includes Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, and Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner.
“As I reflect on my first two years as Speaker of the House, I’m awestruck by what we were able to accomplish for the state we are all proud to call home,” said Speaker Welch. “It didn’t come easy or without challenges, and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve that success without the support of a strong leadership team that values our core Democratic principles and has a deep desire to put Illinois back on the side of working families. This new team I have assembled to help lead the largest Democratic majority in modern times is diverse, courageous, fiercely passionate, and driven by a strong moral compass that will continue to provide clear direction for our caucus and our House. We have much work to do for the people of this state and I am proud to stand alongside these dynamic leaders, as well as the rest of this duly elected chamber, to continue down the path of progress and purpose for all of Illinois.”
The following can be attributed to Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston.
“I’m honored to receive the great responsibility of being chosen as majority leader and I look forward to helping our entire Democratic Caucus succeed,” said Gabel. “In this new role I will continue to prioritize values that are most important to me – collaboration, inclusivity, and assisting my colleagues deliver results for their communities. I want to thank Speaker Welch for entrusting me to be our caucus’ leader, as well as Leader Harris for his dedication to our state. I look forward to the great things we’ll accomplish together in this upcoming legislative session.”
The following can be attributed to Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria.
“Over the past two years, we have proven what we can accomplish with a leadership group that values and understands collaboration,” said Gordon-Booth. “As we look ahead, I am more optimistic than ever that we can work together on effective solutions to address the challenges facing working families across our state. In replacing Leader Greg Harris as the new chief budget negotiator, I’ll continue to prioritize our fiscal health and responsibly utilize our resources for the betterment of Illinois. I’m thankful for the trust of my colleagues and Speaker Welch, and I look forward to serving alongside this remarkable group of leaders.”
The following can be attributed to Deputy Majority Leader Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Chicago.
“Speaker Welch remains committed to unifying not just the Democratic Caucus, but all of Illinois. This leadership team reflects his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and his desire for continued collaboration among our growing caucus. As we look ahead to these next two years, we are all united in our shared responsibility to do what’s right for Illinoisans, and to make our state a more welcoming place to call home.”
The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.
“We have important work ahead of us in this next General Assembly. We must continue to prioritize our fiscal health and respond to the needs of families working through inflationary pressures. We must find opportunities to make government more effective and efficient. And we must stand united as Democrats, alongside Speaker Welch, to build a better, stronger Illinois for all.”
The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.
“I want to thank Speaker Welch and the rest of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus for entrusting me with the privilege of serving on this leadership team. Two years ago, Speaker Welch’s election as the first Black Speaker of the House in our state’s history ushered in a new era for Illinois. Since that time, we’ve seen unprecedented fiscal stability, the passage of landmark criminal justice reform, and an equity-centered clean energy jobs package. As a member of this leadership team and on behalf of the people of Illinois, I will work diligently to build upon that legislative progress.”
Speaker Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:
· State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Majority Leader
· State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Speaker Pro Tempore / Chief Budgeteer
· State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader / Dean of the Caucus
· State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Deputy Majority Leader
· State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Kam Buckner – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Aaron Ortiz – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Barbara Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Marcus Evans – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Kelly Burke – Assistant Majority Leader
· State Rep. Theresa Mah – Majority Conference Chair
· State Rep. Nick Smith – Majority Officer / Sergeant at ArmsIn addition to these leadership posts, Speaker Welch has called on members within the House Democrats to serve as caucus whips, which has been utilized as an emerging leaders program. These members will be charged with rallying various caucuses and members around legislation and priorities for the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will include:
· State Rep. Lakesia Collins – Black Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez – Latinx Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz – Asian American Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Frances Ann Hurley – Mod Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Lawrence Walsh Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray – Women’s Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Nabeela Syed – Freshman Caucus Whip
· State Rep. Maurice West – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Ann Williams – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Katie Stuart – Assistant Floor Whip
· State Rep. Bob Morgan – Assistant Floor WhipSpeaker Welch is incredibly proud of the team he’s assembled – one of the most diverse in our state’s history. It includes experienced members, whose institutional knowledge will be instrumental, while also harnessing the passion and enthusiasm of the Gen-Z generation. For the first time in the history of the Illinois House of Representatives, Speaker Welch will convene the leadership team for a leadership retreat in January to discuss emerging priorities for the House Democratic Caucus.
Welch’s previous leadership team is here.
*** UPDATE *** House Republican Leader Tony McCombie has released her own leadership list…
Deputy Minority Leader: Norine Hammond
Deputy Minority Leader: Ryan Spain
Conference Chair: Jeff Keicher
Assistant Minority Leaders:
John Cabello
CD Davidsmeyer
Charlie Meier
Brad Stephens
Mike Marron
Jackie HaasFloor Leader: Patrick Windhorst
That’s a pretty darned good list. Also, I gotta say, Rep. Windhorst is really growing on me.
…Adding… From Leader Stephens…
State Representative Brad Stephens (R-20) has been appointed Assistant House Minority Leader by newly elected House Republican Leader Tony McCombie as the 103rd General Assembly was sworn in on Wednesday. Stephens was elected to his second full term this past November after being appointed to the seat in 2019 succeeding former State Representative Mike McAuliffe.
• When McCombie chose Stephens, she cited his strong background and experience on economic development issues as a key component of the House Republicans’ legislative agenda moving forward
• Stephens’ knowledge of the issues facing law enforcement and first responders because his district represents both City of Chicago and suburban Cook County which continues to face a litany of crime issues.
• In fact, Stephens is the only member of the House Republican Caucus who represents the City of Chicago and one of two members in the caucus representing Cook County (the only other seat is the Durkin seat)“I’m thrilled to be joining this momentous leadership team of Leader Tony McCombie and help achieve the goals of the caucus through pragmatic, bipartisan, and effective legislation,” said Rep. Stephens. “As the only Republican House member representing parts of Chicago, I’m looking forward to bringing the perspectives of my constituents from Chicago and suburban Cook County to these important conversations. I also look forward to building bridges between the urban areas of Illinois with our fantastic rural communities so we can pass legislation to make our state better for everyone.”
“Rep. Stephens works tirelessly for his communities and brings extensive knowledge to this position from his work at the state and local level,” said Leader McCombie. “He prioritizes the needs of his constituents and is a confident advocate for legislation that helps Illinoisans. He will also bring an invaluable perspective from the 20th District, including from the City of Chicago, first responders, and people who live in close proximity to transportation hubs around our state.”
Solid choice.
…Adding… Rep. JG-G…
State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview, issued this statement following her appointment as whip of the House Asian American Caucus:
“I’m grateful for the privilege of leading the House Asian American Caucus. With each General Assembly, Asian Americans are breaking barriers in Illinois and seeing their representation in the State Legislature grow. Asian American voices are getting louder through recent victories, such as the passage of the TEAACH Act, my measure to ensure an accurate curriculum of Asian American history in Illinois schools. I hope to lead our growing caucus to continued legislative achievements.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:06 pm
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to be safe, just refer to everybody as leader.
Comment by dr. jimmy Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:25 pm
I am sure all the leadership team and whips are very talented and deserving but sometimes when I see the numbers on both sides i almost feel like they are all getting participation trophies
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:26 pm
So glad Dean Wormer is no longer Dean of the Caucus
Comment by TradedUpForMitch Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:29 pm
Thats a lot of whips…
Comment by low level Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:43 pm
I remember JG-B’s first primary and how composed she was with all that was going on. I am not surprised at all with her growth as a rep.
Comment by Annon Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 3:47 pm
===Thats a lot of whips…===
They got a lot of members
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:03 pm
Who’s the whip whip? /s
Snark aside, Speaker Welch’s leadership is such a breath of fresh air from the Madigan days. It calls to mind a sign I saw associated with the Obama campaign many years ago that stuck with me as the kind of mantra I’d want to have if I ever ran for something: “Respect. Empower. Include.”
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:06 pm
===Thats a lot of whips===
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oOv3cuP8M4
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:12 pm
Walsh is downstate? Might want to tell the fine folks of Will County that. I mean, I get it - he votes likes he’s downstate…
Comment by Not Your Gramma Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:38 pm
Orange whip?
Hilarious, Rich.
Comment by Medvale School for the Gifted Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:49 pm
Speaker Welch has a lot of mouths to feed. The secondary leadership team of ‘Whips’ will help keep people happy and engaged.
Comment by Constitutional Watcher Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 4:49 pm
Congratulations to ALL in their new (or not so new) roles is serving Illinois. I’m excited to see y’all doing the people’s business and making this state better by working together for that goal.
Rich… now… you’re just showing off.
:)
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:04 pm
Two side notes, if I may…
===Rep. Windhorst is really growing on me.===
I’m going to pay more attention to this new leadership group, beginning here…
===Stephens was elected to his second full term this past November after being appointed to the seat in 2019 succeeding former State Representative Mike McAuliffe.===
… and ending *right there*
Stephens could be the type of leader in that caucus that changes the thinking to a much bigger idea of what can help that caucus grow.
“They have my curiosity…”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:08 pm
The ILGOP leadership team appears to be without a single eastern bloc or “freedumb” caucus member. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:24 pm
Excellent lineup from McCombie. Good to see her empowering the few adults left in the caucus, and there’s a glaring absence of any representation from the Freedom crowd. If she doesn’t feel the need to kowtow to those guys, she’s got a good chance of leading her party back to relevance.
Comment by vern Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:37 pm
Congratulations to the team. This is a great crew.
Comment by Shytown Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:51 pm
Hope all do well.
We all have seen too many items in the news like last week’s story about Illinois being second only to California in one-way outbound U-Haul truck rentals.
Comment by LifeLong Illinois Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:52 pm
The legendary Able Gabel.
Comment by Ok Thursday, Jan 12, 23 @ 5:56 pm
Three orange whips! - what a great way to start a Friday.
Comment by rtov Friday, Jan 13, 23 @ 8:03 am
So thankful none of the “eastern bloc” are included in any of these leadership roles.
Comment by Grateful Gail Friday, Jan 13, 23 @ 12:31 pm