Photos: Michael Madigan through the eyes of editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis

News Room

Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis long has been fascinated by the rise and fall of Michael Madigan, the former longtime speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. Here’s a selection of cartoons from our archive, showing how Stantis has seen the now-infamous powerbroker over the years.

Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the Feb. 14, 2025, verdict that found Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in the state, guilty of bribery conspiracy and other corruption charges. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the investigation into then-Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan in 2020. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the investigation into then-Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan in 2020. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on sexual harassment scandal in Michael Madigan's office in 2018. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on sexual harassment scandal in Michael Madigan’s office in 2018. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the new state license plates in Nov. 2016. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the new state license plates in Nov. 2016. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on then Speaker of the House Michael Madigan's challenges to a April 2014 effort to change how the state's political maps are drawn. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on then Speaker of the House Michael Madigan’s challenges to a April 2014 effort to change how the state’s political maps are drawn. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on then Speaker of the House Michael Madigan's political power in Jan. 2014. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on then Speaker of the House Michael Madigan’s political power in Jan. 2014. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the budget fight between former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and then-Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on the budget fight between former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and then-Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on failed efforts to reform campaign finance laws in 2009. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)
Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis on failed efforts to reform campaign finance laws in 2009. (Scott Stantis/for the Chicago Tribune)

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