The dramatic fall of Michael Madigan’s decades-long political career reached its conclusion Friday, as the former Illinois House Speaker was sentenced to 7½ years in prison and fined $2.5 million. Once the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, Madigan was convicted of using his political power to pass legislation that financially benefited his friends and allies.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey handed down the sentence in federal court in Chicago. Known as the “Velvet Hammer” for his discreet yet forceful leadership style, the 83-year-old Madigan was found guilty in February on 10 of 23 counts following a four-month corruption trial. The proceedings featured testimony from 60 witnesses and included extensive evidence, including documents, photographs, and audio recordings.
Federal prosecutors had pushed for a 12½-year sentence, while Madigan’s legal team requested five years’ probation. His attorneys argued he had always sought to serve taxpayers and should be allowed to care for his ailing wife, Shirley, who submitted a video statement to the court asking for her husband’s return home.
However, Blakey pointed out that under federal sentencing guidelines, Madigan could have faced up to 105 years in prison based on the evidence presented, particularly his alleged perjury while testifying in his own defense. Blakey criticized Madigan’s conduct on the stand, calling it “a nauseating display of perjury and evasion.”
“You lied. You did not have to. You had a right to sit there and exercise your right to silence,” Blakey said during sentencing. “But you took the stand and you took the law into your own hands.”
Over a legislative career that spanned 50 years, Madigan served nearly four decades as speaker—making him the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history. In addition to his time in the House, he spent more than 20 years as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, where he wielded immense influence over the state’s political landscape. He regularly shaped the political agenda, handpicked candidates for office, and played a dominant role in redistricting, often drawing maps that favored his party.
Meanwhile, prosecutors said Madigan used his position to build a lucrative private legal career, amassing an estimated net worth of $40 million.
He was convicted on 10 counts—including bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud—for using his influence to push legislation favorable to utility giant ComEd in exchange for kickbacks, contracts, and job placements for political allies. Among the beneficiaries was a Chicago alderman who sought a paid position on a state board after retiring from public office.
The jury deadlocked on six counts, including a key racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted Madigan on seven others, The Associated Press reported. Before sentencing, Madigan made a brief statement, asking the court to spare him prison time so he could care for his ailing wife and spend his remaining years with his family. “I’m truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this,” Madigan said. “I tried to do my best to serve the people of the state of Illinois. I am not perfect.”
