Welch faces rebellion as 26 House Democrats call for new speaker
Marissa Caldwell
Marissa Caldwell
Bureau Chief · Peoria, IL
Marissa Caldwell has been covering local politics and government in Peoria for over 15 years. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she has worked previously at the Peoria Journal Star and NPR Illinois. Her keen insights and in-depth reporting have made her a respected figure in Peoria's media landscape.
More from Marissa →Bureau Chief · Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 9:53 PM · 1 min read
Twenty-six House Democrats issued a statement calling for new leadership, challenging House Speaker Emanuel Welch's hold on power following controversies over sexual harassment allegations and leadership style.