FOREST PARK, Ill. () — Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said he will not seek another term as speaker, following growing pressure from fellow House Democrats over his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving a former state representative.
Welch spoke exclusively with ABC7 Chicago on Saturday during a visit to Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park. He attended a resource fair and met with seniors and veterans, marking his first public comments since announcing he would not pursue a fourth term as speaker.
Welch said he made the decision soon after Democratic lawmakers began calling for him to step aside.
“I think as Speaker of the House, you also have to be listener of the house,” Welch said.
When asked whether it was difficult to leave the leadership post under those circumstances, Welch said his approach to leadership has never been centered on power or status.
“Well, I will say that it’s always difficult to make a decision. But my type of leadership is never about holding on to power. It’s never about a title. It’s about doing what’s right,” Welch said.
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Welch said he ultimately determined that stepping aside was necessary to help the House move forward.
“So I had to make an important decision to make sure the voters get what they’ve asked us to do,” Welch said.
“I had to make the decision that I will not seek another term as Speaker. I truly have been honored to serve in this role. It’s been the honor of a lifetime,” he added.
Welch’s announcement came after 26 Democratic state lawmakers, including 19 women, signed a public statement saying they no longer had confidence in his leadership. Their criticism focused on what they characterized as a three-year delay in responding to sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton.
Welch acknowledged that the House could have handled the allegations differently.
“I have to tell you, I respect that reasoning. I do think we could’ve handled that situation better in hindsight,” he said.
He said lawmakers are also working on measures intended to strengthen the House and address concerns about workplace culture.
“There’s some things that we have in motion that I hope will strengthen the House, strengthen the institution going forward so that a new speaker does not have to deal with something like that. I think we all want to make sure that we have a culture that we are all proud of, a workplace that we’re all proud of,” Welch said.
As Democrats prepare to select a new speaker, Welch said maintaining unity will be essential.
“I think it’s also important to make sure that we lead in unity,” he said.
Welch added that he wants lawmakers to have enough time to consider and evaluate potential successors.
“And, I want to make sure the next speaker has the proper amount of time to be vetted,” Welch said.
Although Welch plans to leave the speaker’s position in January, he said he intends to continue representing Illinois’ suburban 7th District in the state House.
