Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the members of his House Democratic leadership team, including state Reps. Jehan Gordon-Booth, Robyn Gabel, Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., and Jay Hoffman.
Welch released the following statement:
As we begin a new day in the House, I’m committed to assembling a Democratic leadership team that values those things that have made our caucus so successful while also pursuing needed changes to strengthen our caucus, our House and our state. Throughout their careers, Reps. Gordon-Booth, Gabel, Andrade and Hoffman have all brought leadership, integrity and unique perspectives to our chamber. They have spoke passionately for their communities and also extended their hands to their colleagues in compromise. I look forward to working closely with them, and with all members of this chamber, to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of this moment.”
The following can be attributed to state Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr., D-Chicago, who will serve as assistant majority leader:
“This leadership team reflects the diversity and geography of our state, and we share a commitment to doing what is right for every part of Illinois. The challenges ahead of us are clear, but Speaker Welch has made it clear this is no time to hide from these challenges – it’s time to confront them head on and work together to strengthen our state.”
Welch’s full leadership team will consist of:
• State Rep. Greg Harris – Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth – Deputy Majority Leader / Speaker Pro-Tempore
• State Rep. Mary E. Flowers – Deputy Majority Leader and Dean of the Caucus
• State Rep. Jaime M. Andrade, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Robyn Gabel – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Jay Hoffman – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Natalie Manley – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Delia Ramirez – Assistant Majority Leader
• State Rep. Carol Ammons – Democratic Conference Chair
In addition to these leadership posts, Welch has tapped leaders within each caucus of the House Democratic delegation to serve as a caucus whips.
These members will be empowered to rally the various caucuses around legislation and issues of importance to the entire Democratic Caucus. This team will be:
• State Rep. Aaron Ortiz
Latinx Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Will Guzzardi – Progressive Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Kam Buckner – Black Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Theresa Mah – Asian Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. – Downstate Caucus Whip
• State Rep. Deb Conroy – Women’s Caucus Whip