Michael Madigan Resigns As Illinois Democratic Party Chairman

CHICAGO — Former House Speaker Michael Madigan on Monday resigned as chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party.

Last week, Madigan, 78, stepped down as state representative representing the Southwest Side, a post he's held for 50 years. On Sunday, he appointed his replacement. Politico reported Madigan said on Sunday he saw no need to step down as the Democratic Party boss.

By Monday night, Madigan had a change of heart. He did not step down as 13th Ward committeeman and he retains his seat on the Democratic Party's central committee. Madigan also personally retains control of four campaign funds — including the Democratic Majority and Democratic Party of Illinois committees — worth more than $18.5 million. A Madigan spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the former party chairman would relinquish control of those campaign funds to his successor.

Madigan, once considered the state's most powerful politician, was implicated but not charged as part of a massive public corruption probe that included ComEd pleading guilty to a bribery scheme aimed at currying the then house speaker's legislative favor.

In a statement, Madigan did not offer a reason for the decision to step aside as the party's chairman. Instead, he touted his political accomplishments and thanked loved ones for their support throughout the years.

"Over the last two decades, we have elected a diverse array of Democrats across Illinois and helped send a hometown Chicago leader to the White House, turning Illinois into a Democratic stronghold in the Midwest," Madigan said in a statement.

"Together, we faced conservative extremism and stood up for working men and women. I’m confident the Democratic Party of Illinois will continue to cement our place as a beacon of progressive values. My work would not have been possible without the support of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each of them for their unwavering love and support that has allowed me to do this work for so long."

Madigan's resignation is effective immediately. The Illinois Democratic Party's vice chairperson, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, will take over Madigan's role until his permanent replacement is selected.

"One thing everyone knows about Illinois is that it’s a reliably blue state in the Midwest and throughout the country, and that’s in large part because of the leadership of Mike Madigan," Yarbrough said in a statement.

"Democrats across Illinois owe Chairman Madigan a huge debt of gratitude for the support, resources and time he’s dedicated to candidates and races at every level. While our party enters a transition and looks to the future, I hope we don’t lose sight of the extraordinary contributions he has made. I thank him for his leadership and wish him the best in his next chapter."

This is a developing story.