North Cook News

Northfield Township Republican Committeeman TJ Brown said former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conviction on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud highlights the systemic corruption that plagued the state during his 36-year tenure. 

Madigan was convicted on Feb. 12, in connection with corrupt schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd.

Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was found guilty after a trial that included wiretap evidence revealing how he used his political influence for personal gain. His conviction marks the culmination of years of scrutiny surrounding his leadership in Illinois politics.

“Michael Madigan’s conviction confirms what Illinois residents have known for decades—his rule was built on corruption, patronage, and self-dealing at the expense of hardworking taxpayers,” Brown told North Cook News. “For 36 years as House Speaker, Madigan treated Illinois as his personal fiefdom, leveraging power to enrich himself and his allies, including Mike McClain, while driving the state into financial ruin.” 

“My children will pay this price—if they choose to stay in Illinois when they reach adulthood. The gutting of this state for personal gain continues apace under Democratic rule. While I choose to continue the fight, the cost of living in Illinois rises while the opportunity that once made our state an economic powerhouse continues to erode.”

Brown also suggested that Madigan's leadership was disastrous for the state’s fiscal health.

"Under Madigan’s leadership, the Illinois Democratic Party fostered a culture of corruption that led to the worst pension crisis in the nation, an exodus of residents fleeing high taxes and poor governance, a near-junk credit rating that continues to burden our state, and a pay-to-play political system where legislative decisions were for sale to the highest bidder," Brown said. “The ComEd bribery scheme was just one example of Madigan’s relentless pursuit of power, but the rot in Springfield did not begin or end with him. His departure has not ushered in change—just a new set of players running the same corrupt game.”

Highlighting key figures who continue to hold power in Illinois, Brown pointed to those who supported Madigan, criticizing their actions as part of the ongoing political machine Madigan left behind.

“Consider: Don Harmon, President of the Senate, helped bankroll a PAC for Supreme Court candidates that was assessed the largest fine in Illinois State Board of Elections history,” he said. “Governor JB Pritzker once said, ‘the people of Illinois have much to be grateful for thanks to (Madigan’s) dedicated public service.’ House Speaker Chris Welch defended a law, at taxpayer expense, that aimed to eliminate Republican challengers even after they had already been slated. These are just a few examples of how the political class Madigan cultivated remains deeply entrenched.” 

Brown also pointed to the enduring impact of Madigan's control over Illinois' redistricting process, which he said silenced voters and eliminated competitive elections.

“For decades, Madigan’s iron grip on redistricting allowed him to gerrymander Illinois into a one-party state, silencing voters and eliminating competitive elections,” he said. “Though the 2021 maps were drawn after his departure, the same corrupt machine carried on his tradition—led by his former staffers and rubber-stamped by Welch and the Democratic supermajority. These maps serve one purpose: to consolidate power for the ruling party at the expense of taxpaying Illinoisans of all political affiliations.”

As a plaintiff in a gerrymandering case, Brown remains determined to restore fair elections.

“I am a plaintiff in a gerrymandering case brought by the House Republican Caucus,” he said. “Our fight to restore fair elections and real representation continues.” 

While Madigan’s conviction marks a significant moment in Illinois political history, Brown argues that it is not enough to turn the page on the state’s systemic issues. 

"Madigan’s conviction should serve as a wake-up call: no politician is above the law,” Brown said. “But if Illinois is to break free from this corrupt system, voters must demand real reform, transparency, and an end to the backroom deals that define Springfield. The Republican Party stands ready to offer a better path—one that prioritizes accountability, economic growth, and integrity in government.”

Looking ahead, Brown remains hopeful for a post-Madigan Illinois, one that can break free from the state’s troubled history and make the most of the state’s resources and talent.

“Illinois and Chicagoland are critical to the nation’s future—we live in a state with astronomical resources, talent, and potential. Yet total Democratic control for 25 years in the legislature and 18 of the past 22 years across all three branches of government has turned Illinois into an economic disaster. This state should be thriving, not declining.”

Brown provided a stark call to action to voters. 

“Madigan’s conviction proves the depth of corruption in Illinois politics.Illinois must break free from the corrupt legacy he leaves behind,” he said. “It’s time to turn the page and fight for a government that serves the people—not the political elite.”