The convicted former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael J. Madigan has been ordered to report to prison by October 13, 2025, to begin serving a 7.5-year sentence for bribery and conspiracy.
After a landmark trial, Madigan, the longtime head of the Illinois Democratic Party was convicted on ten separate counts of federal criminal offenses. Madigan was sentenced in June 2025. After his sentencing, Madigan filed appeals to strike down all his convictions. These appeals have now entered the federal court process.Â
Madigan and his attorneys have also filed a plea with his trial judge that the former Speaker’s imprisonment be stayed pending resolution of his appeal process. On August 8th, Judge Blakey rejected Madigan’s plea: Madigan’s prison date of October 13, 2025, continues in effect. Â
In light of this news, and the continued denial by the Democratic majority for comprehensive ethics reform, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie reiterated her statement for change:
“Illinoisans are sick and tired of corruption running rampant in their state government. While Democrats protect the status quo, House Republicans are fighting to restore public trust and accountability. Ethics reform isn’t optional, it’s essential. The people of Illinois deserve leaders who serve them, not self-serving politicians who manipulate the system for personal gain. We will not stop pushing for real reforms to clean up this broken system!”