Speaker Welch, House Members Sworn In for 103rd General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch was officially nominated by the House of Representatives to serve a second term as the chamber's leader on Wednesday. 

"When I first took the Speaker's oath two years ago at the Bank of Springfield Center, I had my General Assembly family there – and that meant the world to me – but I can't tell you how meaningful it is to share this moment with my family," said Speaker Welch. 

When Speaker Welch was sworn in for his first term in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented guests from attending the ceremony. This year, he had the honor and privilege to stand alongside many loved ones, including his children Tyler and Marley, as the love of his life, Judge ShawnTe Raines-Welch, administered his oath of office. 

As he delivered his message to House members and guests, Speaker Welch reminded all lawmakers to come ready to serve with a passion and purpose. 

"Every one of us here today are elected leaders from our community," said Speaker Welch. "As leader, we should always remember our 'why.' Why do we get out of bed in the morning? Why do we put our names on the ballot to run for office? Why do we leave our loved ones and give up moments with our kids to come here every week?"

As he has for the past two years, Speaker Welch emphasized the importance of civil disagreements and operating with a sense of mutual respect for all people. 

"As legislators, we're going to disagree on 'how' to achieve a goal, or 'when' is the right time to do it," said Speaker Welch. "But more often than not, our 'why' is very much the same. We want to help people. We want to use the opportunities afforded to us to create more opportunities for those who come after us."