Madigan Sentenced to 7½ Years in Federal Prison

Michael Madigan, once among the most powerful figures in Illinois politics, was sentenced Friday to 7½ years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million, marking a dramatic end to the career of the nation’s longest-serving state legislative leader.

The 83-year-old former Illinois House Speaker appeared in a Chicago courtroom before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, who handed down the sentence following Madigan’s conviction on multiple corruption charges earlier this year.

In February, a jury found Madigan guilty on 10 of 23 counts after a sweeping four-month trial that featured testimony from 60 witnesses and extensive evidence, including recordings, emails, and internal documents. Prosecutors accused Madigan of abusing his office to push legislation that benefited utility company Commonwealth Edison in return for jobs, contracts, and political favors for close associates.

Among the favors prosecutors outlined were efforts to secure a state board appointment for a retiring Chicago alderman, as well as placing Madigan loyalists in paid positions connected to the utility giant. Although Madigan was cleared of seven charges and jurors could not reach a verdict on six others—including a central racketeering conspiracy count—the guilty verdicts were enough to seal his fate.

Federal prosecutors had recommended a 12½-year prison term, describing the scheme as a significant betrayal of public trust. Defense attorneys pushed back, requesting probation and arguing that the sentence proposed by the government amounted to a death sentence for a man who, they claimed, never personally profited from the crimes.

Madigan’s tenure in Springfield spanned five decades, with nearly 40 years as House Speaker and more than two decades as chair of the state Democratic Party. His influence shaped Illinois politics for generations. Judge Blakey acknowledged Madigan’s public service record but emphasized the seriousness of his misconduct.

At the close of the hearing, Madigan’s attorneys asked the court to allow him to remain free while he pursues an appeal of his conviction.