Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Amy Grant provided an update on former House Speaker Michael Madigan's trial, stating, "The jury selection begins today," in an October 8 Facebook post.

"The jury selection begins today in the Madigan corruption trial," said Grant, according to Facebook.

According to Grant's Facebook post, she shared a link from ABC News regarding the commencement of Madigan’s trial. Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker, has been charged in a racketeering and bribery scheme involving the ComEd utility. Multiple legislators and Tim Mapes, Madigan’s former chief of staff, have been convicted in connection with the case. He faces 23 counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, attempted extortion, and using interstate facilities in aid of bribery.

Screenshot of State Rep. Amy Grant's Oct. 8 Facebook post | State Representative Amy Grant's Facebook page

Madigan is accused of exploiting his role as speaker and benefiting from private legal work illegally steered to his law firm. Elected to the Illinois State Legislature in 1970, he served as speaker from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans controlled the legislature. He resigned as speaker in 2021 and also stepped down from the chairmanship of the Illinois Democratic Party.

During his tenure, Madigan represented areas near Midway International Airport, southwest of downtown Chicago. Jury selection began on October 8. NBC Chicago reported that out of more than 1,000 jury summonses mailed for the jury pool, it has now been reduced to 180 people. Some suggest it could be challenging to find impartial jurors due to Madigan’s name recognition and public distrust of state politicians.

The Associated Press reported that Madigan was present in the courtroom for jury selection and took notes during proceedings while observing jurors as they entered. Twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen, with jury selection expected to last through the end of the week.

Grant represents the people of the 47th House District. Her political career includes six years on the DuPage County Board from 2012-2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and has resided in Wheaton for over two decades with her husband. They are actively involved in their community through various organizations including the DuPage County Historical Museum Board and Glen Oaks Hospital Community Partnership Committee.