Michael J. Madigan was born on April 19, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised in a working-class family in the city's southwest side. Madigan attended St. Adrian Elementary School and graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Notre Dame in 1964.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Madigan decided to pursue a career in law. He attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law and obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1967.
Upon graduating from law school, Madigan established the Chicago law firm Madigan and Getzendanner. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled attorney and began building his political network within the Democratic Party.
In 1970, Madigan successfully ran for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key player in Democratic politics in the state. In 1983, he was elected as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, a position he would hold for the majority of the next three decades.
As Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, Madigan became one of the most powerful politicians in the state. He used his position to push for legislation that he believed would benefit the people of Illinois, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and workers' rights.
Madigan's leadership was not without controversy, however. He clashed with then-Governor Rod Blagojevich over a variety of issues, ultimately becoming a key figure in the impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In 1976, Michael Madigan married Shirley Murray, a divorcee. Together, they raised Shirley's daughter, Lisa, who eventually followed in her stepfather's footsteps and became a prominent Democratic politician in Illinois. Lisa Madigan served as Illinois Attorney General.
Throughout his career, Michael Madigan became known for his shrewd political acumen and ability to navigate the complex world of Illinois politics. He was instrumental in shaping the direction of the Democratic Party in the state and was a key player in many important legislative battles.
Despite facing criticism and controversy throughout his career, Madigan remained a dominant force in Illinois politics until his resignation in 2021. His influence is still felt in the state to this day, as his proteges and allies continue to hold positions of power.