SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois House has undergone a changing of the guard.
Emanuel “Chris” Welch was inaugurated Wednesday afternoon as House Speaker, bringing to an end a nearly four-decade era under the direction of Michael Madigan.
Welch got the backing of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“I firmly believe this Welch did not choose this moment. This moment chose Welch,” said 67th District Rep. Maurice West.
“It is my pleasure to proudly extend a second nomination to who will be my speaker, Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch,” concurred 4th District Rep. Delia Ramirez.
Welch becomes the first Black Speaker of the Illinois House.
