Mike Madigan, powerful former top IL Democrat, found guilty on corruption charges

Why is it that Illinois has so many current and former Democrats who end up convicted of serious crimes? It's far beyond coincidence.

According to Breitbart, the deep blue state kept up its tradition of convicting powerful Democrats as former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts of corruption thanks to a jury of his peers.

Madigan, described as a "Democrat powerbroker" who held great power in the state for decades, was able to escape about a dozen other related charges, according to court documents.

In total, Madigan faced 23 counts of corruption, bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud.

The former state House Speaker was acquitted of seven of the charges he faced, and a jury was unable to come to a decision on six additional charges, according to the court documents.

🚨BREAKING: Michael Madigan found guilty on ten counts, not guilty on seven, with a mistrial declared for twelve others in partial verdict.

“Mike Madigan, the long-time leader of the Illinois Democrat Party, now faces accountability from decades of fleecing Illinois' taxpayers.”… pic.twitter.com/qdxMBp3EWW

— Jen (@IlliniJen) February 12, 2025

One of his partners also escaped any serious consequences as far as a conviction, but was convicted previously on a bribery charge.

Breitbart noted:

While reaching decisions on Madigan, the jury was unable to convict Madigan’s longtime confidant, Michael McClain, on any of the charges in the case. Despite the outcome this week, McClain has not escaped consequences. He was convicted of bribery last year alongside three others.

Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, an FBI informant was able to produce hours of video and audio calls of Madigan implicating himself on several of the charges.

Solis was accused of working with Madigan for years to use their power to benefits themselves personally, including passing laws and policies that directly affected Madigan's private law practice.

Madigan's influence and power in the state was virtually unmatched, even by governors and others in high office.

Breitbart noted:

Madigan represented the southwest side of Chicago for half a century and held a grip on power since the 1990s, using that influence to stymie governors of both parties, and he essentially dictated policies for the entire state.

Breitbart described his grip on power within the Democratic Party as comparable to a "mafia boss," as he had direct control of the party's campaign funds and endorsements.

Madigan rewarded those who stayed loyal friends, and now they're all paying the price.

It'll be interesting to see how much, if any, prison time he does as a result of the convictions.