Welch, son of Proviso, will not seek re-election as House Speaker
With a background in education reporting for the Tribune, Maria has spent nearly eight years focused on schools and educational policy. She holds a degree in Education from Loyola University Chicago and aims to give a voice to teachers, parents, and students in Oak Park.
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Embattled Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch bowed to cold political arithmetic Thursday evening and announced he will not seek the speakership in the next general assembly. Welch’s decision came amidst a growing uprising against Welch s questionable handling of House issues, and deepening dissatisfaction with his rigid management style, among other issues. Over the past week there was a steadily growing drumbeat in Chicago media as more and more of Welch’s past behavior and more recent missteps were disclosed. With the 2026 general election concluded, 26 members of the Illinois House signed a letter Wednesday effectively announcing no confidence in Welch, who is a native of Proviso Township which includes Forest Park. Welch came to notice in the near west suburbs when he ruled Proviso Township High Schools with an iron fist as its longtime school board president. “Over the course of the last few months, we have grown increasingly convinced that the House Democratic