Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch won't seek another term amid Democratic opposition

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch announced Thursday that he will not seek another term as speaker, ending a fight over whether he had enough support among House Democrats to keep the gavel.Welch will not seek another termWelch had faced growing opposition within his own caucus, with 26 current and incoming House Democrats calling for new leadership.The lawmakers did not name a potential replacement or cite a single reason for opposing Welch, but concerns have centered on his handling of sexual harassment allegations involving former state Rep. Harry Benton, as well as complaints about workplace culture.State Rep. Kelly Cassidy has also reportedly criticized Welch's interactions with staffers, calling some of his conduct "inappropriate." Cassidy has said she is not interested in becoming speaker.Welch has apologized for his handling of the Benton allegations and formed a working group aimed at addressing workplace culture, but some lawmakers have said those steps do not go f