CHICAGO — During the opening statements in one of Illinois’ most significant corruption trials in recent years, federal prosecutors accused Michael Madigan, who has held the title of the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, of repeatedly abusing his public position for personal gain.
Madigan, the former speaker of the Illinois House for over three decades and a previous chair of the state Democratic Party, faces a 23-count indictment. The charges against him include racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in furtherance of bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion. Federal authorities allege that he manipulated his influence to create legislation that benefitted utility companies in exchange for kickbacks, jobs, and contracts that favored his loyal supporters.
“This case highlights corruption at the highest echelons of state government,” said Sarah Streicker, an assistant U.S. Attorney, while addressing the jury. “Madigan exploited his power and the organizations he led to engage in a continuous cycle of corrupt activities.”
For more than two hours, Streicker outlined the government’s argument, utilizing slides that featured photographs and flow charts of individuals involved in the alleged schemes, along with handwritten documents attributed to Madigan and excerpts from recorded conversations obtained through wiretaps.
In contrast, the defense quickly countered the allegations during their opening statement. Defense attorney Tom Breen argued, “The prosecution is relying on flawed information, unreliable sources, and mere conjecture. You will encounter outright falsehoods.”
The defense portrayed Madigan, who stepped down from his political role in 2021, as a person deeply committed to the interests of his constituents in a working-class area of the Southwest Side of Chicago, near Midway International Airport. “He was essentially incorruptible,” added Breen.
Madigan, now 82 years old, has remained largely out of the public eye since his indictment in 2022, staunchly maintaining his innocence. The Chicago Democrat, who is also a practicing attorney, attentively followed the trial, taking notes, while several family members, including his daughter Lisa Madigan, who served as Illinois attorney general for four terms, were present in the courtroom. Lisa declined to run for re-election in 2018.
Jury selection, which took almost two weeks, concluded on Monday afternoon, with a jury consisting of twelve members and six alternates chosen after an extensive questioning process concerning awareness of the role of lobbyists, media habits, and familiarity with Madigan, who was once a dominant force in Illinois politics.
Madigan’s legislative career began in 1970, and he served as speaker from 1983 to 2021, with the exception of two years during Republican control. He was instrumental in shaping Illinois’ political landscape by controlling legislative agendas and overseeing several campaign funds, as well as managing the mapping of political districts.
Prosecutors argue that Madigan abused these positions repeatedly to acquire additional power and financial benefits, including gains from legal work allegedly funneled to his law firm. “You will witness how he traded his public authority for personal profit,” warned Streicker.
The prosecution also outlined a network of associates who allegedly facilitated these schemes and hid their existence. Among those standing trial with Madigan is his former aide and co-defendant, Michael McClain, whom prosecutors labeled as Madigan’s “mouthpiece.” McClain, a former state legislator and lobbyist, has already been convicted in a related bribery case involving ComEd, Illinois’ largest utility company.
The duration of Madigan’s trial is anticipated to last nearly three months, with jurors expected to hear around 200 recorded conversations and testimonies, including from former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who acted as a cooperating witness and recorded conversations for years.
Much of the evidence has already been introduced in open court as part of a broader investigation into public corruption that has already led to convictions of several legislators and Madigan’s former chief of staff. Prosecutors assert that these recordings will clearly demonstrate Madigan’s involvement in the alleged schemes. However, defense attorneys, who aired video clips of Solis during their opening statements, contended that the former alderman lacks credibility due to his own legal and financial issues.
McClain’s legal team is expected to address the jury on Tuesday, with him seated at a separate table from Madigan as court proceedings continue.