FILE – In this July 26, 2017, file photo, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, speaks at a news conference at the Capitol in Springfield, Ill. (Justin Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP, File)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WJPF) — Longtime Illinois House speaker Mike Madigan says he has “suspended his campaign for Speaker.”
Madigan made the announcement in the form of a press release late Monday morning:
“This is not a withdrawal.
I have suspended my campaign for Speaker.
As I have said many times in the past, I have always put the best interest of the House Democratic Caucus and our members first.
The House Democratic Caucus can work to find someone, other than me, to get 60 votes for Speaker.”
Three other House Democrats – Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, Rep. Kathleen Willis, and Rep. Ann Williams – have all previously stated that they were actively campaigning for the leadership position that Madigan has held for all but two years since 1983.
