Kane County Reporter

Illinois State Representative Dan Ugaste (District 65) said that former House Speaker Michael Madigan maintained his power through illegal means following the verdict in Madigan's federal corruption trial. Ugaste made this statement on Facebook on February 12.

"I have issued a statement following today's verdict in former Speaker Madigan's federal corruption trial," said Ugaste, according to Facebook.

According to the Facebook post, it linked to a news release on Ugaste’s official website, where he addressed the guilty verdicts against Madigan. The former Illinois House Speaker was convicted on multiple counts, including bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. According to the release, the jury confirmed that Madigan maintained power through illegal means and violated public trust. Ugaste called on the Illinois Supreme Court to accept the state House Republicans' complaint, which requests the invalidation of the current legislative maps and the drawing of new maps by a special master. He also emphasized the need for his bills that would allow the public to recall elected officials.

Screenshot of State Rep. Dan Ugaste's Feb. 12 Facebook post. | State Representative Dan Ugaste's Facebook page

The federal trial concluded on February 12 with a jury verdict convicting Michael Madigan of bribery conspiracy; however, according to the Chicago Tribune, the jury deadlocked on other charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy. The jury also could not reach a verdict on six charges against co-defendant Michael McClain. Of the 23 charges against Madigan, they deadlocked on 12. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Over four months, more than 60 witnesses testified, and nearly a decade’s worth of evidence was presented against Madigan and McClain. This included testimony from a 25th Ward alderman who wore a wire and provided information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Madigan took the stand during his trial, denying some schemes while explaining others.

ABC News reported that the jury convicted Madigan on 10 counts, acquitted him of seven, and could not reach a verdict on six of the 23 counts. He was accused of using his influence to pass legislation favorable to utility companies that provided incentives to his loyalists and illegally steering work to his law firm.

Ugaste has represented Illinois' 65th House District since 2018. A former attorney and shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, he focused on workers' compensation defense and related litigation. Ugaste has served as president of the Lake Forest College Alumni Board and held leadership roles in various bar associations and committees. He graduated from Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College and holds a Juris Doctorate from DePaul University.