Michael Madigan Appeals Corruption Conviction to U.S. Supreme Court
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his corruption case. This request follows the federal appeals court in Chicago upholding his conviction in February 2025. Madigan's lawyers are seeking to address legal questions…
Chicago, IL, July 29, 2026 —
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has submitted a request to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to have his corruption case heard by the nation’s highest court.
This appeal comes after the federal appeals court in Chicago affirmed Madigan’s conviction in February 2025. The legal team representing Madigan is aiming to raise critical questions concerning the definition of a “corrupt” act undertaken by a public official. A central point of contention in their argument is whether a commitment to recommend someone for a job should be legally classified as an “official act” under relevant statutes.
The case has significant implications for public corruption law and the interpretation of official duties for elected officials. Madigan’s legal strategy appears focused on challenging the legal basis of his conviction by questioning the scope of what constitutes bribery and official misconduct. The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet announced whether it will consider the case.
Story summarized from the original created by Jon Seidel on chicago.suntimes.com, see more information here.
