South Central Reporter

On October 13, former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan reported to federal prison to begin serving a 7½-year sentence. Madigan was convicted in February 2025 on 10 counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption charges related to a scheme involving Commonwealth Edison.

In June, Madigan received his sentence along with a $2.5 million fine. His legal team tried to delay his prison reporting date while pursuing appeals, but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request earlier this month.

Madigan’s conviction and imprisonment mark the end of a long political career in Illinois. Despite these developments, Democrats in Springfield have not advanced significant ethics reforms in response.

Senate Republicans continue to advocate for changes such as independent oversight, stricter revolving-door restrictions, and greater transparency in government processes. According to their statements, Democratic leaders have blocked these proposals multiple times.

Jason Plummer was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois' 55th Senate District in 2023 after succeeding Darren Bailey.