Barbara Flynn Currie, Illinois' First Female House Majority Leader, Dies at 85

The longtime progressive champion and mentor to many lawmakers served in the Illinois House for 40 years.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of the Illinois State Capitol building, its grand architecture and imposing presence bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of political history.The Illinois State Capitol building, a silent witness to Barbara Flynn Currie's trailblazing tenure as the state's first female House majority leader, now stands as a bittersweet reminder of her lasting impact on Illinois politics.Chicago Today

Barbara Flynn Currie, who served in the Illinois House from 1979 to 2019 and was the state's first female House majority leader, has died at the age of 85. Currie was a champion for progressive causes and mentored many lawmakers during her lengthy tenure in the legislature.

Why it matters

Currie's passing marks the end of an era in Illinois politics. As the first female House majority leader, she paved the way for more women to take on leadership roles in the legislature. She was also known for her expertise in navigating the complexities of statehouse politics and her ability to work across the aisle, making her a respected figure on both sides of the political spectrum.

The details

Currie served as the House majority leader for 20 years, working as the top deputy to longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan. During her tenure, she helped shape some of the most consequential state policies, including legalizing same-sex marriage, abolishing the death penalty, and overhauling the criminal justice system's treatment of incarcerated youth. She was also involved in the impeachment investigation of former Governor Rod Blagojevich and the budget impasse between Madigan and then-Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.

  • Currie served in the Illinois House from 1979 to 2019.
  • She was the House majority leader for 20 of those years, starting in 1997.
  • Currie died on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Barbara Flynn Currie

A Democratic state representative who served in the Illinois House for 40 years and was the state's first female House majority leader.

Michael Madigan

The longtime Speaker of the Illinois House, under whom Currie served as majority leader.

Rod Blagojevich

The former Illinois governor who was impeached and went to federal prison for corruption, during which time Currie headed the House panel presiding over the impeachment investigation.

Bruce Rauner

The former Republican governor of Illinois who was involved in a budget impasse with Madigan in the mid-2010s, during which time Currie was the House majority leader.

Robyn Gabel

The current Illinois House majority leader, who credited Currie as a mentor and role model.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At first, when I met her, she seemed a little intimidating because she was so brilliant. One of the strongest characteristics of Barbara Flynn Currie was how she mentored people, and she would very gently give you ideas and thoughts about how to do things better.”

— Sara Feigenholtz, Illinois State Senator

“There are people who shape your career and then there are those rare individuals who shape who you are.”

— Robyn Gabel, Illinois House Majority Leader

“Barbara Flynn Currie was a trailblazer. She devoted her life to public service, from advocating for families to ensuring clean air and water for Illinoisans — a leader who tackled each issue with grace. My condolences to her family and loved ones. May her memory be a blessing.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

What’s next

Services are being planned to honor Currie's legacy and contributions to Illinois politics.

The takeaway

Currie's passing marks the end of an era in Illinois politics, as she was a trailblazer who paved the way for more women to take on leadership roles in the legislature. Her expertise, mentorship, and ability to work across the aisle made her a respected figure on both sides of the political spectrum.