* From DPI …
Michael J. Madigan announced today that he will step down as president of the Illinois Democratic Party (DPI), and vice president Karen Yarbrough will be appointed as the party’s interim president until a new president is appointed.
First elected in 1998, under Madigan’s leadership, Democrats stood firm as the “blue wall” in the Midwest, held an absolute majority in the legislature, passed historic legislation that made Illinois a leader in progressive politics and The number of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community has significantly increased serving in state-elected positions.
“In the past two decades, we have elected a diverse range of Democrats in Illinois and helped send a Chicago leader to the White House, turning Illinois into a Democratic stronghold in the Midwest,” said Madigan. “Together, we face conservative extremism and defend working men and women. I am confident that the Illinois Democratic Party will continue to cement our place as a beacon of progressive values. My job would not have been possible without the support of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each one of them for their unwavering love and support that allowed me to do this work for so long. “
Karen Yarbrough will take over her new role as interim president after recently serving as vice president of DPI.
“One thing that everyone knows about Illinois is that it is a reliable blue state in the Midwest and across the country, and that is largely because of Mike Madigan’s leadership,” said Yarbrough. “Democrats in Illinois owe President Madigan a huge debt of gratitude for the support, resources and time he devoted to candidates and disputes at all levels. As our party transitions and looks to the future, I hope I will not lose sight of the extraordinary contributions it has made. I thank him for his leadership and wish him well in his next chapter. “
Madigan’s resignation as president takes effect immediately. Madigan’s current four-year term as a member of the state central committee ends after the March 2022 primaries. Under the Illinois Electoral Code, the 36 members of the Democratic State Central Committee will meet within 30 days to select a new one. president to serve for the remainder of the term.
* Speaker Welch …
“I thank Michael Madigan for his more than 20 years of service as president of the Illinois Democratic Party, which left us with an absolute majority in both chambers of the General Assembly. I have complete confidence in the ability of the state central committee to select a new president. The Democratic Party of Illinois remains strong and we will continue our work to create a more just state ”.
… Adding… From Madigan to party members …
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today to inform you that I am stepping down as president of the Illinois Democratic Party. Vice President Karen Yarbrough will serve as interim president until the Central Committee of the Democratic State meets to choose a new chair.
I want to use this opportunity to express how honored I have been to lead Illinois Democrats in challenging and rewarding times. Over the past two decades, we have increased the number of women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community serving in elective positions in Illinois and helped send a Chicago leader to the White House. We face conservative extremism and have always stood up for working women and men in Illinois. Together, we stood as firm as the ‘blue wall’ in the midwest, held an absolute majority in the legislature, and passed historic legislation that made Illinois a leader in progressive policies.
On a personal level, I enjoyed working alongside all of you. His commitment to democratic ideals and progressive values has helped to make our tent even bigger and to put Illinois at the forefront of the most critical issues facing our country.
I am confident that the Illinois Democratic Party will continue to cement our position as a beacon of progressive values and an advocate for working men and women.
Of course, none of this work would have been possible without the support and sacrifice of my family, Shirley, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew. I thank each one of them for their unwavering love and support that allowed me to do this work for so long.
With kindest personal regards, I continue
Sincerely,
Mike
*** UPDATE *** Note, US Senator Durbin is not on this list …
Senator Tammy Duckworth, governor of Illinois, today announced her support for councilor Michelle Harris to be the next president of the Illinois Democratic Party:
“As our nation emerges from the chaos of the Trump years and our state begins to chart a brighter path under new legislative leadership, the next leader of the Illinois Democratic Party must continue the progress we have made in supporting Democratic candidates who will help working families at the local, state and federal levels alike We believe that Councilwoman Michelle Harris will be the most qualified to lead our party in the coming years and we hope that the State Central Committee will choose to serve as the next party president. ”
Durbin had wanted to control the state party for a long time. Stay tuned, but I doubt he can win this one.
… Adding… I was asked to remove the reference to Lightfoot from the launch. Apparently, the declaration had not yet been approved by her.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Deputy Robin Kelly (IL-2) announces candidacy for president of the Illinois Democratic Party
“Today I am announcing my intention to run for president of the Illinois Democratic Party. With democracy under siege, it is more important than ever that we have leaders of our party who can appeal to the broad sector of our constituency that represents all 102 counties in our state. The congressional district I represent is urban, suburban and rural, which is a microcosm of the state and gives me a unique perspective and understanding to lead our party. I have been a strong leader in the party, I have a voice to move Illinois forward. As president, I will bring a new approach that includes my collaborative and inclusive work ethic. In the coming days, I hope to share my vision of the future of the Illinois Democratic Party with members of the State Central Committee. I want to thank Mike Madigan for his services to the Democratic Party. “