Macon Reporter

State Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur) is speaking out against the ongoing culture of corruption she believes was fostered by former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. 

Madigan, the longest-serving leader of any state or federal legislative body in U.S. history with 36 years as Illinois House Speaker, was convicted Feb. 12 on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud related to corrupt schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd.

Madigan’s trial, which included extensive wiretap evidence and recordings, revealed his use of political power for personal gain, ultimately leading to his downfall after decades in office.

“Madigan’s corruption was not victimless—it drained taxpayer dollars, eroded public trust, and drove jobs and families out of Illinois,” Deering told the Macon Reporter. “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.” 

Deering represents the 88th House District in east-central Illinois, which includes all or parts of Livingston, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.

Deering described Madigan's leadership as a “criminal enterprise” that placed his personal interests above those of the people of Illinois, while also detailing the lasting impacts of his tenure.

“In the House, Madigan created a culture that gives the current Speaker ultimate power to control what legislation is acted on, shutting out anyone who did not agree with him, even within party lines,” Deering said. “The majority party and Madigan did this to the extreme, so much so that the Legislative Inspector General resigned in protest because they made it impossible to investigate corruption.” 

Deering’s criticism extends beyond Madigan's legal troubles, which include multiple convictions on charges related to bribery and corruption.

“Madigan ran his political and government operations like a criminal enterprise, taking bribes and creating ghost jobs at taxpayer expense,” she said.

From 1983 to 2023, Illinois averaged more than one corruption conviction per week, coinciding with Madigan's leadership.

During that 40-year period, there were 2,168 convictions, with Madigan playing a central role until his departure in 2021. Even after his exit, Illinois recorded a record 59 corruption convictions in 2023, most of which stemmed from the Northern District, including Chicago.

The long-lasting effects of Madigan’s influence, according to Deering, are still felt today. 

“Although Mike Madigan has been found guilty of multiple charges, the culture of corruption he created lives on,” Deering said.

As a response to the systemic corruption, Deering and other House Republicans have introduced a series of legislative measures designed to curb unethical practices. 

These include suspending pensions for lawmakers charged with corruption, requiring elected officials to recuse themselves from voting on legislation that personally benefits them or their family members and enhancing the powers of the Legislative Inspector General to investigate without political interference.

Despite these proposed reforms, Deering lamented that the Democratic majority in the House continues to block such legislation. 

“The majority party refuses to call any of these measures, continuing the cycle of corruption,” Deering said.

Deering, who did not serve under Madigan but still operates under his leadership, pointed out that Madigan’s influence is still felt through his handpicked successor, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside). 

“While he is no longer in the House, his legacy lives on through our current House leadership team,” Deering said. “The House is still governed by Madigan’s rules.”

Drawing a direct link between Madigan’s reign and the current state of Illinois politics, Deering underscored the ongoing issues with political redistricting. 

She noted that House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savannah) has filed a lawsuit with the Illinois Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of current district maps. 

McCombie and Illinois Republicans have filed a lawsuit with the Illinois Supreme Court, seeking to toss the current legislative district map, which they claim is unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering, a system perfected under Madigan.

“Leader McCombie is not asking that the maps be turned to a party. She has asked that someone outside of the political arena be tasked with drafting a redistricting plan that is constitutional,” Deering said.

Additionally, Rep. Ryan Spain has introduced a proposal for a Fair Map Amendment.

While Madigan’s direct influence may have waned, Deering is adamant that his corrupt legacy continues to harm Illinois. 

“Voters across the state deserve to be heard and not shut out by partisan maps,” she said.

Deering concluded her remarks with a sharp critique of the state’s current political environment. 

“Unless the General Assembly does something, this poor ethical behavior will still be the norm in Illinois under the thumb of Illinois Democrats, with the ‘Madigan Way’ as their guiding light,” Deering said. “Enough is enough! The people of Illinois deserve better and House Republicans know that and are committed to working towards better by filing many measures to break our status quo of corruption.”