(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois took the witness stand for a short day Monday at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and codefendant Michael McClain.
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan enters the federal court building in Chicago Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, to continue hearing testimony in his corruption trial.Brett Rowland | The Center Square
Budzinski, D-Springfield, has represented Illinois’ 13th Congressional District since 2023. The incumbent won her reelection last month. Before being elected to Congress, Budzinski was a special assistant to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. She worked as a transition team member when Pritzker was governor-elect in late 2018 and 2019. She provided political advice on downstate issues.
On the transition team, she helped pick about 1,500 candidates for state jobs, boards and commissions on Pritzker’s behalf. Pritzker had the final say on the picks.
The senior advisor to Pritzker recommended people for administrative jobs.