Emanuel Welch (also known as Chris) is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing District 7. He assumed office on January 9, 2013. His current term ends on January 13, 2027. Welch was elected speaker of the state House on January 13, 2021. The speaker serves as the chief spokesman for the chamber, presides over legislative sessions, directs the legislative process, and performs additional administrative and procedural duties. Welch was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 6, 1971. He received degrees from Northwestern University in 1993 and The John Marshall Law School in 1997. As of October 2025, Welch worked for the law firm Ancel Glink and he previously served as a member of the Proviso Township High School Board of Education. Welch was elected in 2012 to Illinois House of Representatives District 7. Welch defeated Beyonca Johnson, Princess Dempsey, and Rory Hoskins in the Democratic primary, winning the nomination by 36 votes. He ran unopposed in the general election. Welch was unchallenged in the next four general elections until 2022, when he defeated Eddie Kornegay Jr. 77.7%-22.3%. He was unchallenged in 2024.