A once-unshakable political empire crumbled in a Chicago federal courtroom Wednesday as a jury found Michael Madigan, the longtime Illinois House Speaker and Democratic kingmaker, guilty of bribery conspiracy and wire fraud. However, jurors deadlocked on the sweeping racketeering charge at the heart of the case, resulting in a partial conviction on 10 of the 23 counts he faced.

Decades of Power, A Web of Corruption

Madigan, who held the speaker’s gavel for nearly 40 years, was accused of running a criminal enterprise that funneled financial benefits to his allies and his property tax law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner. Prosecutors painted him as a mastermind who exploited his political clout to steer lucrative favors in exchange for bribes, particularly in a scheme involving energy giant Commonwealth Edison.

ComEd allegedly provided no-show jobs to Madigan’s associates to secure his backing on key legislation, while he also tried to secure a state board seat for a former Chicago alderman—unaware the official was cooperating with the government.

Jury Deadlocks on Key Charges

Despite convicting Madigan on bribery-related counts, jurors hit a roadblock on 12 charges, forcing U.S. District Judge John Blakey to declare a mistrial on those counts. That deadlock included all charges against Madigan’s co-defendant and close confidant, Michael McClain, a former lobbyist accused of acting as his enforcer.

McClain was widely seen as Madigan’s right-hand man, ensuring allies received favors while keeping the political machine running. His fate now remains uncertain as prosecutors weigh their next move.

A Trail of Backroom Deals

Madigan’s downfall has been years in the making. The heat began in 2020 when Commonwealth Edison agreed to pay $200 million to settle federal charges over a yearslong bribery scheme benefiting “Public Official A”—a thinly veiled reference to Madigan.

Prosecutors later expanded their case, accusing Madigan of using his influence to secure:

• Lucrative political appointments
• Zoning approvals for real estate projects in exchange for legal work
• A legislative land transfer deal to benefit his firm

The case intensified further when AT&T Illinois struck a deferred prosecution agreement, paying a $23 million fine and admitting it sought to influence Madigan through illicit legislative dealings.

Secret Recordings and Political Betrayals

The government’s case relied heavily on over 200 wiretapped phone calls and covert recordings, many featuring ex-Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, who cooperated with prosecutors to avoid prison on his own bribery charges.

Solis testified that he funneled developers to Madigan’s firm, making it clear that without hiring him, zoning approvals wouldn’t move forward.

Yet, in a rare move, Madigan took the stand in his own defense, claiming he was blindsided by Solis’ references to quid pro quo deals. He insisted he merely sought introductions to developers—not kickbacks.

The Legal Heavyweights

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois fielded a powerhouse team, including Amarjeet Bhachu, Diane MacArthur, Julia Schwartz, Michelle Kramer, Sarah Streicker, and Timothy Chapman.

Madigan’s defense was led by Daniel Collins and Lari Dierks of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, alongside Thomas Breen and Todd Pugh of Breen & Pugh.

McClain’s lawyers included Patrick Cotter and David Niemeier of UB Greensfelder LLP and John Mitchell of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

What’s Next?

With the Michael Madigan trial exposing the dark underbelly of Illinois politics, the next steps are uncertain. Prosecutors could seek a retrial on the unresolved charges, while McClain awaits his fate.

For Madigan, once the undisputed ruler of Illinois politics, the trial marks the stunning downfall of a man who for decades seemed untouchable.