FOREST PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said he will not pursue another term as speaker, following mounting criticism from fellow House Democrats over his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving a former state representative.
Welch spoke exclusively with ABC7 Chicago on Saturday while visiting Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park. He attended a resource fair and met with seniors and veterans, making the appearance his first public interview since announcing he would not seek a fourth term as speaker.
Welch said he made the decision soon after Democratic lawmakers began urging him to step aside.
“I think as speaker of the House, you also have to be a listener of the House,” Welch said.
When asked whether the circumstances made the decision especially difficult, Welch said leadership should not be defined by a desire to retain power.
“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.
He said he ultimately determined that stepping aside was necessary for the House to move forward and focus on the work voters elected lawmakers to do.
“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.
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Welch’s announcement came after 26 Democratic state lawmakers, including 19 women, issued a public statement saying they no longer had confidence in his leadership. The lawmakers cited what they characterized as a three-year delay in responding to sexual harassment allegations involving former state Rep. Harry Benton.
Welch acknowledged that the situation could have been handled 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 working to strengthen the House and confront concerns surrounding workplace culture.
As House Democrats prepare to select new leadership, Welch said maintaining unity will be essential.
“I think it’s also important to make sure that we lead in unity,” he said.
Welch also said he wants to give potential successors enough time to emerge and receive proper consideration from lawmakers.
“And I want to make sure the next speaker has the proper amount of time to be vetted,” Welch said.
Welch plans to leave the speaker’s post in January but said he intends to remain in office as the state representative for Illinois’ suburban 7th District.
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