Welch, State Leaders Name New Capitol Complex Building in Honor of Gov. Jim Edgar

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch joined state leaders to honor the life and work of former Governor Jim Edgar this week at a ceremony naming the forthcoming executive office building on the Capitol grounds in recognition of Edgar’s career spent bringing people together. 

“Jim Edgar dedicated his life to state government, as a staffer, as a member of the House of Representatives, as Secretary of State, and as our governor,” Welch said. “But Governor Edgar didn’t stop there: He inspired the next generation of state leaders to come together, to share their unique experiences, and to pursue our common goals through his Edgar Fellows program. This dedication is a valuable reminder to everyone who comes to our Capitol that this is a place for people from across Illinois to gather—not for individual gain—but for the common good.”

Welch joined Gov. JB Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, and members of the Edgar family Tuesday to name the Jim Edgar Executive Office Building, which will occupy the historic armory building on the Capitol grounds. The building will be the new headquarters for multiple agencies serving the public, including the state’s construction and economic development agencies.

Edgar devoted his life to public service as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Illinois Secretary of State, and the 38th Governor of Illinois. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for bipartisan consensus building and thoughtful leadership. This commitment continued into retirement, as Edgar brought together a bipartisan groups of emerging leaders from across the state as part of the Edgar Fellows program.

Welch was selected as an Edgar Fellow in 2016, and has been an annual guest at the conference since becoming Speaker of the House in 2021.