WMAY’S Patrick Pfingsten reports in his The Illinoize newsletter that 26 House Democrats have signed a letter claiming they will not vote for House Speaker Chris Welch for another term leading the chamber.
Multiple sources say members are frustrated with the way he interacted with members, “chaos” within House Democratic staff, his handling of allegations against former Rep. Harry Benton, and the scandal that surrounded Welch’s interactions online with the same former staffer.
Welch has been Speaker since 2021 and it isn’t clear if he will seek another term.
The 26 signatures guarantees Welch won’t be able to secure the 60 votes he needs on the House floor to retain the Speakership. Leadership elections typically take place during the fall veto session, which begins November 17
