Emanuel "Chris" Welch
Democratic, incumbent
State Representative, 7th District
AI wrote this from the sources listed below. A second AI checked each sentence against its source, and software checked the links and dates. A person didn’t review it, so every sentence links to its source for you to check. Updated Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Overview
Emanuel 'Chris' Welch has represented the 7th District since 2013.1 He became speaker of the Illinois House in 2021.1 He previously chaired the Proviso Township High School Board of Education.1 He is a partner at the law firm Ancel Glink.1
In 2026, he proposed a graduated income tax and more insurance regulations.2 He supported a surtax on income over $1 million.3 His campaign says he sponsored the Illinois Trust Act.4 He supported a law requiring corporations to disclose their board composition.1 His campaign says he imposed term limits on legislative leaders and required tougher financial disclosures.4 It says his budgets created a state surplus and increased school funding.4 He supported a 2023 ban on assault rifle sales.5
Campaign money
- Reporting period
- April 1 to June 30, 2026
- Raised
- $1,842,846
- Cash on hand
- $11,440,633
| Source | Amount | Share of money raised |
|---|---|---|
| Small gifts ($150 or less) | $4,257 | Under 1% |
| Larger gifts | $487,380 | 26% |
| PACs, parties and other campaign committees | $1,350,565 | 73% |
| Other receipts | $645 | Under 1% |
Large contributions reported since June 30, 2026: $7,658,971 in 253 gifts. See the large contribution reports.
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections filings for People for Emanuel Chris Welch
Endorsements
Sources
- Chicago State University Sets Stage for Historic 373rd Commencement with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Four Trailblazing Honorary Degree Recipients, Chicago State University. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Illinois lawmakers' 2026 theme: affordability, Capitol News Illinois. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Welch 'committed' to more funding for Chicago Public Schools — and the school board is banking on it, Capitol News Illinois. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Emanuel "Chris" Welch, Proviso Township Democrats. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois House Democratic Caucus. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Endorsements and Election Information - Personal PAC, Personal PAC. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Endorsements — Citizen Action/Illinois, Citizen Action/Illinois. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- November 3, 2026 General Election Endorsed Candidates, Chicago Federation of Labor. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Illinois AFL-CIO Announces Endorsements for 2026 General Election, Illinois AFL-CIO. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- IUOE Local 150 Illinois Endorsements, General Election, November 3, 2026 (Cook County), IUOE Local 150. Viewed Wednesday, October 7, 2026.