Update on Illinois House Democratic Leadership

According to recent reporting, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced that he will not seek another term as speaker following a public call for new leadership from 26 incumbent and incoming House Democrats. Welch, who became the first Black speaker in Illinois history when he assumed the position in January 2021, succeeded longtime Speaker Michael Madigan, who held the position for 36 years. The calls for new leadership follow months of internal criticism regarding the House Democratic Caucus’ leadership structure, communication, legislative processes, and handling of workplace harassment allegations involving former State Rep. Harry Benton. Notably, four members of Welch’s own leadership team signed the statement calling for a change in leadership. Although Democrats made significant gains in the November 3rd General Election, the growing opposition raised questions about Welch’s ability to secure the 60 votes needed to retain the speakership. Welch will remain in the House as a rank-and-file member, while House Democrats prepare to select a successor ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

 

2026 Illinois General Election Results

Last Updated: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 9:45AM. Numbers are not final.

The November 3, 2026, general election was a strong night for Democrats, both nationally and in Illinois. In Illinois, the results reinforced, rather than reshaped, the state’s existing balance of power: Democrats held all six statewide constitutional offices, kept their 14-3 majority in the state’s congressional delegation, and expanded their supermajorities in both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. The election also marked a significant transition in the state’s representation, as several longtime members of Congress and other elected officials will depart and a new group prepares to take office.

In a rematch of the 2022 gubernatorial race, incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker defeated Republican Darren Bailey by approximately 23 percentage points, 59.8% to 36.8%, widening his 2022 margin of 54.9% to 42.4%. With the win, Pritzker becomes the first Illinois Democrat elected to a third term as governor. Former state Rep. and Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell, Pritzker’s running mate, will succeed Juliana Stratton as lieutenant governor.

Democratic incumbents also won reelection for Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer. In the open race to succeed outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza, state Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago) defeated Republican Bryan Drew, 60.8% to 39.2%. In the open U.S. Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, Lt. Gov. Stratton defeated former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy, receiving 61.0% of the vote to Tracy’s 37.4%.

Although Illinois’ congressional delegation kept its 14-3 Democratic majority, it will see notable turnover, with five new members. Donna Miller (D-2), Patty Garcia (D-4), La Shawn Ford (D-7), Melissa Bean (D-8), and Daniel Biss (D-9) will succeed Reps. Robin Kelly, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Jan Schakowsky, respectively. The turnover reflects a combination of retirements and members leaving to seek other offices, including Kelly and Krishnamoorthi, both of whom ran for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.

Democrats expanded their supermajorities in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, likely gaining six seats in the House of Representatives and five seats in the Senate, although some races have not been officially called yet. The following districts flipped from Republican to Democratic control:

Illinois House of Representatives

• 47^th District: Erica Bray-Parker (D-Wheaton) (previously held by Republican Amy Grant, who did not seek reelection)
• **48^th District: Amanda Zahorak (D-Roselle) (defeating incumbent Republican Jennifer Sanalitro)
• 52^nd District: Maria Peterson (D-North Barrington) (defeating incumbent Republican Martin McLaughlin)
• **65^th District: Richard “Ricky” Rivard (D-St. Charles) (defeating incumbent Republican Dan Ugaste)
• **104^th District: Mary Catherine Roberson (D-Danville) (defeating incumbent Republican Brandun Schweizer)
• **114^th District: George McClellan (D-O’Fallon) (replacing incumbent Republican Rep. Kevin Schmidt)

Illinois Senate

• 24^th District: Benjamin “Ben” McAdams (D-Bloomingdale) (defeating incumbent Republican Seth Lewis)
• 26^th District: Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) (defeating incumbent Republican Darby Hills)
• 32^nd District: Karen Battaglia (D-Antioch) (defeating incumbent Republican Craig Wilcox)
• 33^rd District: Michele Clark (D-Algonquin) (replacing Republican Don DeWitte, who did not seek reelection)
• 56^th District: Marsia Geldert-Murphey (D-Glen Carbon) (defeating incumbent Republican Erica Harriss)

**Pending official confirmation.

Including the seats Democrats flipped, the House could have as many as 15 new members and the Senate could each have as many as 9 new members. The other new members are listed below:

Illinois House of Representatives

• 8^th District: Shantel Franklin (D-Chicago) (replacing Rep. La Shawn Ford, who was elected to Congress)
• 12^th District: Paul Kendrick (D-Chicago) (replacing Rep. Margaret Croke, who was elected Illinois Comptroller)
• 13^th District: Demerike “Demi” Palecek (D-Chicago) (replacing Rep. Hoan Huynh, who ran for Congress)
• 34^th District: Cleopatra Cowley (D-Chicago) (replacing Rep. Nicholas Smith, who did not seek reelection)
• 40^th District: Miguel Alvelo-Rivera (D-Chicago) (replacing Rep. Jaime Andrade)
• 51^st District: Jenny Levin (D-Palatine) (replacing Nabeela Syed, who was elected to the State Senate)
• 84^th District: Saba Haider (D-Aurora) (replacing Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, who ran for Illinois Comptroller)
• 94^th District: Joshua Higgins (R-Biggsville) (replacing Rep. Norine Hammond)
• 105^th District: Tim Ruestman (R-Kappa) (replacing incumbent Rep. Dennis Tipsword Jr., who did not seek reelection)

Illinois Senate

• 9^th District: Patrick Hanley (D-Winnetka) (replacing Sen. Laura Fine, who ran for Congress)
• 18^th District: Frances Hurley (D-Chicago) (replacing Sen. Bill Cunningham, who did not seek reelection)
• 27^th District: Carina Santa Maria (D-Arlington Heights) (replacing Sen. Mark Walker, who did not seek reelection)
• 42^nd District: Jared Ploger (D-Aurora) (replacing Sen. Linda Holmes, who withdrew from the general election after winning the Democratic primary)

Chicago voters also took part in the first election for the city’s fully elected Board of Education, including its first elected board president. Jessica Biggs, a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) principal and current board member, won the presidency, defeating Hilario Dominguez, the candidate backed by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Biggs received approximately 48.5% of the vote to Dominguez’s 30.9%, with the remainder split among the other candidates. Voters also cast ballots for all 20 elected member seats, completing Chicago’s transition to a fully elected, 21-member board. As of November 6, only five races have been called, primarily in districts where candidates ran unopposed. None of the five races involved CTU-backed candidates, leaving 15 contested races yet to be decided. Despite losing the board presidency, CTU-backed candidates are leading in 10 of the 20 districts. Two races, in Districts 3B and 6A, remain too close to call, according to recent reporting.

Final statewide turnout figures are still pending certification, but more than 1.83 million Illinoisans voted before Election Day, either in person or by mail. That is roughly 33% more than the 1.38 million pre-Election Day ballots cast in the 2022 midterm election, but about 23% fewer than the 2.38 million cast before Election Day in the 2024 presidential election. Election authorities are expected to release estimated turnout figures in the coming days.

Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide

November 17-19 – Veto Session Week 1

December 1-3 – Veto Session Week 2

In the News

Democrats’ big victory comes with a catch for Illinois – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 6, 2026

Behind Democrats’ jubilation that they’ve retaken control of Congress is the sobering reality that the Illinois delegation will have the least seniority in recent memory in an institution where seniority means a lot.

 

Pritzker names new Illinois labor director as Flanagan exits – The Courier, November 6, 2026

Mike Lazzeri took over the Illinois Department of Labor on Nov. 1 after Jane Flanagan left the agency at the end of October.

Separation referendum now approved by 44+ Illinois counties – The Central Square, November 5, 2026

Voters in 44 Illinois counties plus 11 townships in a 45th have now approved a referendum to consider separating from Cook County and forming a new state.

 

Welch will not seek new term as speaker after 26 House Democrats call for change – Capitol News Illinois, November 5, 2026

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch will not seek another term as the chamber’s leader after 26 incumbent and incoming House Democrats said the supermajority caucus “needs new leadership.”

Walsh: ‘Caucus Has Been a Circus’ — Democrats Want Welch Out As Speaker – Farmers Weekly Review, November 5, 2026

Update: Welch Issues Statement on Call to Step Down as Speaker

JB Pritzker takes victory lap in Washington and pushes for aggressive Trump oversight – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker came to Washington on Thursday to celebrate the Democrats’ historic wins in this week’s midterm elections and to ensure his voice is heard as congressional Democrats plot their next moves before taking power in January.

Illinois Deputy Governor urges passing tariff refunds for Americans – Central Illinois Proud, November 5, 2026

Following a 75-page plan, Gov. JB Pritzker’s right-hand man is urging tariff refunds for Illinoisans that could total $1,700 for each resident.

Dave Syverson leads Sara Mertens as 100% of precincts report in Illinois Senate race – MyStateline.com, November 5, 2026

Sen. Dave Syverson (R) has narrowly pulled ahead of challenger Sara Mertens (D) in the race for Illinois’ 35th Senate District, with 100% of precincts reporting.

 

Welch faces rebellion as 26 House Democrats call for new speaker– Capitol News Insider, November 5, 2026

Twenty-six incumbent and incoming House Democratic lawmakers made clear in a statement late Wednesday that they will not support House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, for another term in the chamber’s top job. We reported Monday that this was imminent.

 

Democrats grew their supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. It may still get larger. – The Daily Line, November 5, 2026

Even in deep blue Illinois, the Democratic wave that surged through the U.S. in Tuesday’s midterm election led to big wins for the party at the state level.

 

Greg Hinz: This election settled some scores — and set up new showdowns – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 4, 2026

One election is over, but two others already have begun.

 

Pritzker moves quickly to put his stamp on Democrats’ national agenda– Crain’s Chicago Business, November 4, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker wasted no time in offering up a to-do list for a Congress that soon will be controlled by Democrats after yesterday’s election.

On 1st day since winning 3rd term as governor, Pritzker releases 200-point national agenda – Capitol News Illinois, November 4, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker isn’t a presidential candidate yet, but he announced a 200-point national agenda he wants congressional Democrats to tackle after the party’s enormous victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

‘Deeply personal’: Team Pritzker relishes in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s defeat – Capitol News Insider, November 4, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker donated $40 million to Democratic candidates and causes around the country during the 2026 election cycle, but the billionaire’s $1.2 million contribution to Texas Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa’s winning campaign carried a different meaning for him and his team.

Juliana Stratton’s win marks historic first for women of color in national politics – Chicago Sun-Times, November 4, 2026

When U.S. Sen.-elect Juliana Stratton is officially sworn in next January, Illinois will become the first state with two women of color serving in the Senate simultaneously.

Election 2026: Illinois Senate District 35 too close to call – Shaw Local, November 4, 2026

Sarah B. Mertens, a Crystal Lake Democrat, leads by less than 1,000 votes in the race to represent Illinois Senate District 35. She holds a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Dave Syverson.

Pritzker won big. Now comes the hard part. – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 4, 2026

Whether he takes a shot at the White House or not, JB Pritzker’s next act as Illinois governor starts now.

Illinois election results: Democrats flip at least 4 General Assembly seats, maintain statewide offices – The Daily Line, November 4, 2026

Democrats retained control of Illinois’ top statewide offices and gained at least four seats across the General Assembly in Tuesday’s Elections while maintaining leads in a handful of other Republican-held seats that had not been called by midnight.

Editorial: The election is over. Now Illinois House Democrats should choose a new speaker. – Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2026

Illinois House Democrats appear to be on the cusp of booting their leader, Emanuel “Chris” Welch, as speaker of the House.

Illinois Senate election: Juliana Stratton defeats Don Tracy, NBC News projects – NBC Chicago, November 3, 2026

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin in the upper chamber of Congress, NBC News now projects.

JB Pritzker Wins 3rd Term As Illinois Governor – Block Club Chicago, November 3, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker won a third term Tuesday, handedly defeating Republican Darren Bailey in a rematch of their 2022 race and extending Democrats’ hold on the governor’s office.

Croke elected comptroller as Dems sweep state offices – The Center Square, November 3, 2026

The Democratic Party of Illinois has claimed victory in a sweep of elections for statewide offices. In addition to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s victory in the gubernatorial election, incumbent Democrats claimed wins in races for attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer.

Veto session: Cunningham outlines 6 priorities in data center negotiations – Capitol News Insider, November 3, 2026

Sen. Bill Cunningham said he thinks it’s possible for lawmakers to pass data center regulations during the fall veto session. Of the dozen-plus data center bills that have been introduced and are up for consideration, Cunningham said the POWER Act is likely to be the basis of any bill that emerges.

 

Republicans face uphill battle in races for Illinois attorney general, comptroller, secretary of state – Chicago Sun-Times, November 3, 2026

Illinois’ statewide offices could end up Tuesday where they have been for decades — with a full slate of Democrats taking the reins.

Juliana Stratton tries to make history, Don Tracy gives voice to state’s GOP in race for Durbin Senate seat – Chicago Sun-Times, November 3, 2026

Self-described “fighter” Juliana Stratton is hoping to bring a new progressive voice to the U.S. Senate as she tries to take the reins from U.S Sen. Dick Durbin in a battle against former Illinois Republican Party Chair Don Tracy.

 

On economic development, Pritzker, Bailey are miles apart – Capitol News Illinois, November 2, 2026

The leading candidates for Illinois governor have contrasting views on how to attract economic development to the state.

Pritzker discusses latest reporting on Welch, turnout ahead of election – Capitol News Insider, November 2, 2026

The governor and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton took questions in Springfield on the final day of the 2026 campaign.

Pritzker seeks third term, Bailey seeks revenge, Independent seeks a chance – Central Illinois Proud, November 2, 2026

The Chicago billionaire, the Southern Illinois farmer and a former Republican turned independent are all vying for the same job.

Illinois Election Day: Warm weather, strong early vote and federal poll monitors set the stage for Tuesday – Chicago Tribune, November 2, 2026

Illinois’ fall voting season comes to an end with Election Day on Tuesday, the final day for voters to cast a ballot after weeks of early in-person and mail voting in races from U.S. senator and governor down to county officers and judgeships.

Pritzker says he will prioritize closed Tyson plant if re-elected – KWQC, November 2, 2026

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was in the Quad Cities Monday evening to energize voters ahead of the midterm elections.

A survey that shows how Illinois voters see the economy – NPR Illinois, November 2, 2026

As voters head to the polls for tomorrow’s midterm elections, the economy and cost of living remain central issues shaping the political landscape.

 

Gov. JB Pritzker spending millions in Texas and beyond to extend Democrats’ reach — and his 2028 network – Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has spent nearly $39 million so far this election cycle to support fellow Democrats and their causes beyond his own reelection, even though many out-of-state races he’s backing look like long shots. To see why, look at Texas.

John T. Shaw: Sen. Dick Durbin is not giving up on immigration reform – Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2026

About two years into his presidency, John F. Kennedy was pressed by reporters to explain why much of his legislative program was stalled in Congress.

Who will win Illinois governor race between Pritzker, Bailey? Here’s what polls say – Pontiac Daily Leader, November 1, 2026

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is heavily favored to win his rematch with Republican candidate Darren Bailey, according to two polls.

Pritzker rallies voters in Chicago with 2 days until midterms – CBS News, November 1, 2026

With just two days until midterm elections, Gov. JB Pritzker pumped Chicagoans to get out and vote on Sunday.

Will donations from the JB Pritzker’s campaign help local Democrats? – Daily Herald, October 31, 2026

In the waning days of the general election, DuPage County Democrats hope to further solidify their control of county government by securing some key seats.

Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey campaigns at Sycamore’s Dirty Bird Friday – Shaw Local, October 31, 2026

With four days until Tuesday’s midterm election, Darren Bailey, the Republican running against incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker for Illinois governor, spoke to dozens who filled a Sycamore restaurant by noon to hear him speak.

‘Yes, it’s crazy,’ but independent governor long-shot believes in the mainstream – Daily Herald, October 31, 2026

On Oct. 16, independent candidate for governor Collin Corbett kicked off an eight-day slog of town halls that stretched from Oak Lawn to Round Lake Park.

Eyes on Bears deal, data center regulation bill – Chicago Sun-Times, October 31, 2026

A few weeks ago, Gov. JB Pritzker told reporters that negotiators are closer than they’d ever been to a deal with the Bears to stay in Illinois.

Another developer pitches a Chicago home for the Bears – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 6, 2026

Another prominent real estate developer is coming forward with his own idea to keep the Chicago Bears in the city, but the team continues to publicly stiff arm any proposal that doesn’t lead to Arlington Heights or Indiana.

 

Mayor Brandon Johnson: What I learned from the voters in Tuesday’s election – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2026

This Election Day, the people of Chicago declared, yet again, that they want the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share so that we can all share in the benefits of responsive local government, robust social services, affordable housing and fully funded public schools.

Chicago voters overwhelmingly support gunshot detection technology – NBC Chicago, November 5, 2026

A question on Tuesday’s ballot is breathing new life into the debate over the use of gunshot detection technology.

Chicago hemp businesses face uncertain future as Illinois ban nears – Fox 32 Chicago, November 5, 2026

Chicago hemp businesses are bracing for major changes as new Illinois restrictions on intoxicating hemp products take effect Nov. 12, threatening the future of some cafés and retailers while creating new opportunities for licensed cannabis dispensaries.

What happened in Chicago suburban midterm elections on Tuesday – Chicago Tribune, November 5, 2026

Suburban Chicago voters went to the polls for midterm elections on Tuesday.

Johnson tells Crain’s: Election strengthens the case for taxing the wealthy – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 5, 2026

Believing Tuesday’s election results buoy his agenda, Mayor Brandon Johnson says he is ready to sit down with the City Council to broker a budget compromise.

 

DCASE commissioner talks special event cost recovery efforts at budget hearing – The Daily Line, November 5, 2026

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) presented its budget to alderpeople on Wednesday, and Comm. Kenya Merritt discussed how her department is working to implement the cost recovery recommendations of a savings and efficiencies report.

Coding error blamed for ballot shortages that kept some Chicago precincts from easily voting – Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2026

A day after some Chicago precincts ran out of ballots, Chicago election officials blamed a coding error for their office printing far fewer ballots than needed for certain places, in violation of state law.

These Chicago Politicians Just Won Reelection. Now They Want Your Vote For Mayor– Block Club Chicago, November 4, 2026

Alexi Giannoulias has won reelection to serve another term as the Illinois Secretary of State, a widely expected result in deep-blue Illinois.

 

Chicago voters approve ballot questions on gunshot detection, permanent festival space, Midway Blitz cost recovery – The Daily Line, November 4, 2026

Chicago voters on Tuesday approved all three citywide advisory questions on their ballots, including referenda on the development of permanent festival and outdoor event space for large events, the reinstatement of gunshot detection technology and cost recovery associated with the federal government’s immigration actions in Chicago.

Illinois Quick Hits: Cook voters approve non-binding millionaire tax referendum – The Center Square, November 4, 2026

Cook County voters have expressed support for a proposed state constitutional amendment that would impose a 3% income tax charge on millionaires.

 

Mayoral candidate Matt Brewer talks economic, housing development proposals as part of growth platform for Chicago – The Daily Line, November 3, 2026

Matt Brewer, one of the dozen-plus candidates running to unseat Mayor Brandon Johnson, thinks Chicago must grow its way out of its budget woes rather than rely on tax hikes to fuel spending.

 

Parking meter showdown: City Council deals Johnson a $75M budget blow – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 2, 2026

Chicago’s City Council dealt Mayor Brandon Johnson a major budget setback today, voting 44-6 to divert $75 million from his proposed 2027 spending plan into a one-time payment to the city’s underfunded pensions.

Willie Wilson challenges Johnson signatures as candidates line up to block opponents from the ballot – Crain’s Chicago Business, November 2, 2026

The battle for the mayor’s office crossed a new mark today as competitors began filing petition challenges in an attempt to knock each other off the February ballot, including a bid by perennial candidate Willie Wilson to remove incumbent Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Preckwinkle warns county may need new revenue in 2028 after balancing budget with one-time fixes – The Daily Line, November 2, 2026

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Thursday the county may need to consider new revenue in fiscal year 2028 after balancing next year’s budget without tax increases largely through one-time measures.

 

Council to consider putting $75M transfer fee from Stonepeak deal toward pensions separate from annual, supplemental payments – The Daily Line, November 2, 2026

The City Council on Monday could approve an ordinance that would require the $75 million payment agreed to under the deal that transferred the rights to the city’s parking meters to a new lessee to be put into the city pension system separately from any other statutory or supplementary payments.

 

Everybody has a plan to keep the Bears in Chicago. Except the Bears. – Crain’s Chicago Business, October 30, 2026

Standing with Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2024, the Chicago Bears unveiled a $3.2 billion proposal for a domed lakefront stadium to replace Soldier Field the day before the team selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick in the NFL draft.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan asks US Supreme Court to overturn corruption conviction – ABC 7, October 30, 2026

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn his corruption conviction.

Mendoza pitches growth plan, slams Johnson’s budget taxes at City Club. – The Daily Line, October 30, 2026

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza pitched herself to Chicago business leaders Wednesday as the mayoral candidate who would grow the city’s economy instead of raising taxes, taking aim at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2027 budget.