Former Illinois House speaker and longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, Michael Madigan, has been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison and fined $2.5 million for corruption. The 83-year-old was convicted on 10 of 23 counts in a landmark federal case, ending his long and influential political career. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the sentence during a hearing in Chicago, highlighting the scale of the corruption charges.
Madigan, known as the ‘Velvet Hammer’ for his quietly powerful leadership, faced a four-month trial involving 60 witnesses, extensive documents, photographs, and taped conversations. His conviction marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight against political corruption in Illinois. Prosecutors had sought a 12.5-year sentence, arguing that the evidence warranted such a severe penalty, while defense attorneys pushed for probation, citing Madigan’s need to care for his ailing wife, Shirley, and his personal frugality.
Madigan’s political legacy includes over 40 years as Illinois House speaker – the longest in U.S. history – and over 20 years as chairperson of the Illinois Democratic Party. His influence extended beyond policymaking to controlling political mapmaking, shaping the state’s political landscape in favor of his party. However, his downfall came in a case involving utility giant ComEd, for which he was convicted of accepting bribes and conspiring to ensure legislation favorable to the company, including kickbacks and jobs for loyalists, such as a Chicago alderman who sought a paid position on a state board after retiring from government.
Despite the conviction, the jury deadlocked on six of the 23 charges, including the overarching racketeering conspiracy charge. Madigan, who spoke briefly before sentencing, expressed regret for his actions and apologized for the harm caused to the people of Illinois. His wife, Shirley, submitted a video to the court requesting his release, emphasizing her reliance on him for care in his final years. The court hearing also featured numerous letters supporting Madigan, with the judge acknowledging his contributions as a family man and community helper, though he also noted the moral failure of committing crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker emphasized that Madigan had not shown remorse or taken responsibility for his actions, arguing that his behavior fit the mold of Illinois’ long history of political corruption. Defense lawyers, however, called the government’s recommended sentence “Draconian,” and argued that Madigan was not responsible for broader corruption in the state, as he had lived a frugal life and had no motive to be greedy. The conviction sets a precedent for the prosecution of high-ranking political figures and reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining ethical governance in state politics.