State Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, a Democrat from suburban Chicago, became the first Black speaker of the Illinois House on Wednesday, succeeding longtime Speaker Michael Madigan, who on Monday suspended his campaign for another two-year term. Welch, 49, of Hillside, received 70 votes from House Democrats, avoiding what originally was shaping up to be a days-long struggle among fellow lawmakers over Madigan's candidacy and those running against him. Speaking to lawmakers after his election and formal opening of the 102nd General Assembly, Welch said he wants to unite lawmakers behind common goals and reduce divisiveness in the House, where Democrats control the chamber with 73 seats to Republicans' 45 seats.