Speaker Welch Announces Appointments to House Democratic Leadership Team
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team Thursday, which includes Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, Deputy Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez, Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, and Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner.
“As I reflect on my first two years as Speaker of the House, I’m awestruck by what we were able to accomplish for the state we are all proud to call home,” said Speaker Welch. “It didn’t come easy or without challenges, and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve that success without the support of a strong leadership team that values our core Democratic principles and has a deep desire to put Illinois back on the side of working families. This new team I have assembled to help lead the largest Democratic majority in modern times is diverse, courageous, fiercely passionate, and driven by a strong moral compass that will continue to provide clear direction for our caucus and our House. We have much work to do for the people of this state and I am proud to stand alongside these dynamic leaders, as well as the rest of this duly elected chamber, to continue down the path of progress and purpose for all of Illinois.”
The following can be attributed to Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston.
“I’m honored to receive the great responsibility of being chosen as majority leader and I look forward to helping our entire Democratic Caucus succeed,” said Gabel. “In this new role I will continue to prioritize values that are most important to me – collaboration, inclusivity, and assisting my colleagues deliver results for their communities. I want to thank Speaker Welch for entrusting me to be our caucus’ leader, as well as Leader Harris for his dedication to our state. I look forward to the great things we’ll accomplish together in this upcoming legislative session.”
The following can be attributed to Speaker Pro Tempore and Chief Budgeteer Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria.
“Over the past two years, we have proven what we can accomplish with a leadership group that values and understands collaboration,” said Gordon-Booth. “As we look ahead, I am more optimistic than ever that we can work together on effective solutions to address the challenges facing working families across our state. In replacing Leader Greg Harris as the new chief budget negotiator, I’ll continue to prioritize our fiscal health and responsibly utilize our resources for the betterment of Illinois. I’m thankful for the trust of my colleagues and Speaker Welch, and I look forward to serving alongside this remarkable group of leaders.”
The following can be attributed to Deputy Majority Leader Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Chicago.
"Speaker Welch remains committed to unifying not just the Democratic Caucus, but all of Illinois. This leadership team reflects his commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and his desire for continued collaboration among our growing caucus. As we look ahead to these next two years, we are all united in our shared responsibility to do what's right for Illinoisans, and to make our state a more welcoming place to call home."
The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.
"We have important work ahead of us in this next General Assembly. We must continue to prioritize our fiscal health and respond to the needs of families working through inflationary pressures. We must find opportunities to make government more effective and efficient. And we must stand united as Democrats, alongside Speaker Welch, to build a better, stronger Illinois for all."
The following can be attributed to Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.
“I want to thank Speaker Welch and the rest of my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus for entrusting me with the privilege of serving on this leadership team. Two years ago, Speaker Welch’s election as the first Black Speaker of the House in our state’s history ushered in a new era for Illinois. Since that time, we’ve seen unprecedented fiscal stability, the passage of landmark criminal justice reform, and an equity-centered clean energy jobs package. As a member of this leadership team and on behalf of the people of Illinois, I will work diligently to build upon that legislative progress.”
Speaker Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:
State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Majority Leader
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Speaker Pro Tempore / Chief Budgeteer
State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader / Dean of the Caucus
State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Deputy Majority Leader
State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Kam Buckner – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Aaron Ortiz – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Barbara Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Marcus Evans – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Kelly Burke – Assistant Majority Leader
State Rep. Theresa Mah – Majority Conference Chair
State Rep. Nick Smith – Majority Officer / Sergeant at Arms
In addition to these leadership posts, Speaker Welch has called on members within the House Democrats to serve as caucus whips, which has been utilized as an emerging leaders program. These members will be charged with rallying various caucuses and members around legislation and priorities for the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will include:
State Rep. Lakesia Collins – Black Caucus Whip
State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez – Latinx Caucus Whip
State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz – Asian American Caucus Whip
State Rep. Frances Ann Hurley – Mod Caucus Whip
State Rep. Lawrence Walsh Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
State Rep. Anne Stava-Murray – Women’s Caucus Whip
State Rep. Nabeela Syed – Freshman Caucus Whip
State Rep. Maurice West – Assistant Floor Whip
State Rep. Ann Williams – Assistant Floor Whip
State Rep. Katie Stuart – Assistant Floor Whip
State Rep. Bob Morgan – Assistant Floor Whip
Speaker Welch is incredibly proud of the team he’s assembled – one of the most diverse in our state’s history. It includes experienced members, whose institutional knowledge will be instrumental, while also harnessing the passion and enthusiasm of the Gen-Z generation. For the first time in the history of the Illinois House of Representatives, Speaker Welch will convene the leadership team for a leadership retreat in January to discuss emerging priorities for the House Democratic Caucus.
Photo Credit: UIS