Michael Madigan, longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, sentenced to prison and fined $2.5M for corruption.

Historic Sentencing for Former Illinois Speaker

Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was sentenced Friday to seven and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey delivered the sentence in Chicago, capping a dramatic fall from power for the 83-year-old Democrat.

Madigan was convicted in February on 10 of 23 counts, including bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. The charges stemmed from a wide-ranging corruption scheme in which Madigan traded legislative influence for jobs and contracts for his allies, including preferential legislation for utility company ComEd. The four-month trial featured 60 witnesses and extensive documentary and audio evidence.

Federal prosecutors had sought a 12.5-year sentence, citing the scale and duration of the misconduct. Defense attorneys countered with a request for five years' probation, emphasizing Madigan’s age, declining health, and role as caregiver to his ailing wife, Shirley, who appeared in a video statement pleading for his release.

Judge Blakey cited sentencing guidelines that would have allowed up to 105 years, and sharply criticized Madigan’s conduct on the witness stand. “You lied. You did not have to. You had a right to silence, but you chose to take the stand and took the law into your own hands,” Blakey said. He called Madigan’s testimony a “nauseating display of perjury and evasion.”

Madigan spoke briefly before sentencing, apologizing to the people of Illinois and asking to remain free to care for his wife and spend his final years with family. “I’m truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this,” he said.

Decades of Power Unraveled

Madigan’s political career spanned over 50 years, including nearly four decades as House Speaker and more than 20 years as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party. Known as the “Velvet Hammer” for his discreet yet firm leadership style, he shaped the state’s legislative agenda, controlled redistricting, and helped elect Democratic candidates statewide. During that time, he also amassed an estimated personal fortune of $40 million through his private legal practice.

The jury deadlocked on six counts, including a racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted Madigan on seven others. His longtime confidant and co-defendant, Michael McClain, was tried alongside him but avoided conviction in this case. McClain had previously been found guilty in a separate trial related to the ComEd scheme.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker emphasized Madigan’s lack of remorse, stating he “had every opportunity to set the standard for honest government” but instead became “yet another corrupt leader in Illinois.” Defense attorney Dan Collins argued that Madigan lived a modest life and should not be held accountable for Illinois’ long history of political corruption.

Judge Blakey acknowledged the many letters sent in support of Madigan and recognized his service to neighbors and family. But he concluded, “Being great is hard. Being honest is not. It’s hard to commit crimes. It actually takes effort.”

Madigan’s sentencing marks a symbolic end to one of the most powerful political dynasties in Illinois. As scrutiny intensifies around ethics in state government, his conviction may serve as a turning point in the fight against entrenched corruption.