Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced Friday to seven and a half years in prison and fined \$2.5 million, marking a dramatic end to the career of one of the most powerful figures in American politics. Known as the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, Madigan, 83, was convicted in February on 10 of 23 federal corruption charges. The case centered on a pay-to-play scheme where he traded legislative favors for kickbacks, jobs, and contracts for allies—particularly involving utility giant ComEd. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey delivered the sentence, calling Madigan’s actions a “nauseating display of perjury and evasion” and rejecting defense arguments for probation.

Prosecutors had pushed for a 12.5-year sentence, highlighting the scale of Madigan’s influence and misconduct. The defense argued he should remain free to care for his ailing wife, Shirley, who appeared in a video pleading for leniency. Blakey acknowledged the hardships but emphasized the seriousness of Madigan’s crimes. Madigan, once called the “Velvet Hammer” for his low-profile but iron-fisted rule over Illinois politics, quietly amassed a \$40 million fortune through a private law practice while steering the Democratic agenda for nearly four decades. Despite his apology in court, prosecutors argued he showed no remorse and squandered the chance to lead with integrity. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said, “He had every opportunity to set the standard for honest government.” Instead, she said, he became “yet another corrupt leader in Illinois.” The sentence closes a chapter in a state long plagued by political corruption.