Illinois pols talk ethics as Madigan corruption trial nears end

(The Center Square) – Some Illinois lawmakers are expressing hope that the General Assembly will get serious about ethics reform in 2025.

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, is the latest in a long line of state politicians to go on trial for alleged corruption. Madigan and former lawmaker-turned-lobbyist Michael McClain pleaded not guilty to 23 federal counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Wednesday in the trial, which began with jury selection on Oct. 8, 2024.

State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago, expressed optimism about ethics reform.

“Of course ethics will be top of mind. We want to make sure that when people are serving in these capacities, they are doing it for the right reasons,” Delgado told

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