Emanuel Christopher Welch (born February 6, 1971), known as Chris Welch, is a lawyer and politician who is the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. A Democrat, he represents the 7th district, which includes all or parts of River Forest, Forest Park, Maywood, Broadview, Bellwood, Hillside, Westchester, La Grange Park and Berkeley. Welch was elected the 70th Speaker of the Illinois House on January 13, 2021, succeeding longtime Speaker Michael Madigan. He is the first Black Illinois House speaker.