Michael J. Madigan, the longtime titan of Illinois politics and the nation’s longest-serving state legislative leader, was sentenced on June 13, 2025, to seven and a half years in federal prison and fined $2.5 million following his conviction in a landmark public corruption case. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago, marks a dramatic fall for the 83-year-old former Illinois House Speaker, who once wielded unparalleled power over the state’s political landscape.
The hearing, which stretched over several hours, saw Judge Blakey deliver a scathing rebuke of Madigan’s conduct, particularly his decision to testify in his own defense during the trial. “You lied, sir. You did not have to,” Blakey told Madigan, condemning his testimony as a “nauseating display of perjury and evasion” that was “hard to watch.” The judge emphasized that Madigan had the right to remain silent but instead chose to take the stand and “take the law into [his] own hands,” an aggravating factor in determining his sentence.
Madigan’s conviction stems from a sprawling federal investigation into a bribery and wire fraud scheme involving utility giant Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). Prosecutors detailed how Madigan, who led the Illinois House for 36 years and chaired the state Democratic Party for over two decades, orchestrated a scheme to secure cushy no-show jobs and contracts for his associates in exchange for his legislative support. ComEd allegedly paid $1.3 million to five of Madigan’s allies who performed little or no work, aiming to curry favor for legislation beneficial to the utility, which Judge Blakey estimated could have increased shareholder value by at least $400 million.
In addition to the ComEd bribery scheme, Madigan was convicted for his role in a plot to secure a valuable state board position for former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis. Solis, who cooperated with federal authorities by wearing a wire and testifying extensively at trial, helped unravel the complex web of corruption that ultimately led to Madigan’s indictment in 2022.
After a nearly four-month trial featuring more than 60 witnesses and a trove of recorded conversations, the jury found Madigan guilty on 10 of 23 counts, including bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and Travel Act violations. Notably, Madigan was acquitted on seven charges and the jury deadlocked on six others, including the overarching racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges on which the jury deadlocked, ensuring Madigan will not face retrial on those counts.
Despite the gravity of the crimes and the prosecutors’ recommendation for a 12.5-year sentence, Judge Blakey tempered the sentence to 7.5 years, citing Madigan’s age and lengthy public service but underscored that the sentence was “just, and seasoned with mercy.” Madigan must serve at least 85% of his sentence, meaning he will be around 90 years old before becoming eligible for release. Following his prison term, he will be subject to three years of supervised probation.
During the sentencing hearing, Madigan spoke briefly, expressing remorse without admitting guilt. “I am truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this,” he said in a thin voice, requesting the court to allow him to spend his remaining days caring for his ailing wife, Shirley, who suffers from COVID-19, pneumonia, and an irregular heartbeat. “I tried to do my best to serve the people of the state of Illinois. I am not perfect,” he added, emphasizing that being a husband, father, and grandfather was his greatest pride rather than his political career.
Madigan’s legal team argued for leniency, requesting probation and highlighting his decades of public service and the numerous letters of support—over 200 in total—submitted on his behalf. These letters came from a wide range of individuals, including legislators, community leaders, and even White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, portraying Madigan as a man of integrity who had helped many without seeking personal enrichment. Madigan’s daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, described him as “meticulously ethical and honest,” underscoring the complex duality of his public persona.
However, federal prosecutors painted a starkly different picture. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker described Madigan as “fitting right into the mold of yet another corrupt leader in Illinois,” noting that while governors have come and gone, Madigan’s power and influence remained constant for nearly four decades. Streicker emphasized that Madigan’s criminal activities spanned nearly a decade and were particularly egregious because they enriched himself and his allies while betraying the public trust.
Judge Blakey echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the “tale of two Madigans”—a dedicated public servant who nonetheless chose to commit serious crimes. “He had no reason to commit these crimes, but he chose to do so,” the judge said. The judge also rejected Madigan’s defense claims that he did not lie on the stand, finding that he repeatedly perjured himself to mislead the jury about his relationships with key figures like Michael McClain, a longtime confidant and lobbyist for ComEd, and about the bribery schemes themselves.
Madigan’s sentencing surpasses the punishment given to former Chicago Alderman Edward M. Burke, who received a two-year sentence in 2023, and former Governor George Ryan, who was sentenced to six and a half years in 2006. It is about half the length of the 14-year sentence given to former Governor Rod Blagojevich. The case underscores Illinois’ ongoing struggle with political corruption, a scourge that has ensnared many of its top officials over the years.
Madigan is scheduled to report to prison at 2 p.m. on October 13, 2025. Meanwhile, his attorneys have indicated plans to seek bond to keep him out of jail during the appeals process. The historic sentencing marks a significant chapter in Illinois politics, closing the book on the career of a man who once seemed untouchable but ultimately fell victim to the very system he helped shape.
