Trailblazing Illinois Lawmaker Barbara Flynn Currie Dies at 85

Currie was the first woman to serve as House Democratic Leader in the state.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:06pm

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Barbara Flynn Currie, a longtime Illinois lawmaker who made history as the first woman to serve as House Democratic Leader, has died at the age of 85. Currie spent decades representing Chicago's South Side communities and was known as a trailblazer who entered politics at a time when women were underrepresented in government.

Why it matters

Currie's leadership role as the first woman to hold the powerful position of House Democratic Leader in Illinois paved the way for greater female representation in state politics. Her passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a respected, pioneering figure in Illinois government.

The details

Currie served as House Democratic Leader for 20 years, acting as second in command under former House Speaker Michael Madigan. She made history as the first woman to hold the Democratic leadership position in the Illinois House, a role she maintained from 1997 until her retirement in 2018.

  • Currie served as House Democratic Leader from 1997 to 2018.
  • Currie died on April 17, 2026 at the age of 85.

The players

Barbara Flynn Currie

A longtime Illinois lawmaker who was the first woman to serve as House Democratic Leader, representing Chicago's South Side communities for decades.

Michael Madigan

The former longtime Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, under whom Currie served as House Democratic Leader.

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What they’re saying

“Illinois had lost an iconic public servant, and I have lost a mentor and a friend.”

— Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General

“Throughout her distinguished career, Leader Currie was a steadfast advocate for working people. A meticulous legislator and skilled debater, Currie was best known for her work to advance equity through the Earned Income Tax Credit and Equal Pay Act, expansion of funding for early childhood education, and her leadership to address sexual harassment and guarantee maternity leave in the workplace.”

— Tim Drea and Pat Devaney, Illinois AFL-CIO President and Secretary-Treasurer

The takeaway

Currie's trailblazing career as the first woman to hold the powerful position of House Democratic Leader in Illinois left a lasting impact on state politics and paved the way for greater female representation in government. Her passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a respected, pioneering figure.