Macon Reporter

Illinois State House District 88 Representative Regan Deering commented on the verdict in Michael Madigan's federal trial, stating, "Illinois needs real change, and the people deserve leaders willing to fight for it." She shared this perspective in a Facebook post on February 12.

"Madigan's corruption wasn't victimless—it drained taxpayer dollars, eroded public trust, and drove jobs and families out of Illinois," said Deering, State Representative, according to Facebook. "The Democrats may claim to have turned a page, but their refusal to take up ethics reform proves they're still operating under the same broken system. Illinois needs real change, and the people deserve leaders willing to fight for it."

According to the Facebook post, Deering highlighted a news release on her website where she called for stronger ethics rules. She pledged that if Republicans are entrusted with power, they will pass significant ethics reforms. In her statement, Deering emphasized that while justice was served, Illinois families have already paid the price for decades of corruption under former House Speaker Michael Madigan. "The only way to stop the 'Madigan Way' is through bold and immediate ethics reform," Deering said in the release.

Screenshot of State Rep. Regan Deering's Feb. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Regan Deering's Facebook page.

The federal trial concluded on February 12 with a jury verdict that convicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan of bribery conspiracy. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, it deadlocked on other charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy. The jury was also unable to reach an agreement on six charges against co-defendant Michael McClain. Madigan faced 23 charges in total, with the jury deadlocking on 12 of them. Sentencing has not been scheduled. The trial lasted over four months, during which more than 60 witnesses testified and nearly a decade’s worth of evidence was presented. This included testimony from a 25th Ward alderman who wore a wire to provide information to the FBI. Madigan himself took the stand, denying some schemes and explaining others.

ABC News reported that the jury convicted Michael Madigan on 10 counts, acquitted him of seven, and was unable to reach a verdict on six of the 23 counts. Madigan was accused of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to utility companies, which provided incentives to his loyalists and illegally steering work to his law firm.

Deering was elected to represent Illinois' 88th House District in 2024 and began serving in the General Assembly in January 2025, according to her official biography. With a background in education, she previously taught elementary school science in Chicago and founded the Huntington Learning Center in Decatur. She is also a member of the Mt. Zion Community Unit School Board, a former volunteer Chair of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation, and has served as president of the Northeast Community Fund Board of Directors. Deering holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Drake University and a Master of Education from DePaul University. She resides in Decatur with her husband and three children.