Trailblazing Illinois Legislator Barbara Flynn Currie Dies at 85

Currie served for 40 years, including 20 as the first woman majority leader in the Illinois General Assembly.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:52pm

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A cinematic painting of the Illinois State Capitol building in warm tones, with the structure bathed in diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the historic and solemn nature of Currie's political career.The passing of trailblazing Illinois legislator Barbara Flynn Currie marks the end of an era in state politics, as she helped pave the way for greater gender diversity and representation in government.Woodlawn Today

Barbara Flynn Currie, a longtime Illinois state representative who served as the first woman majority leader in the Illinois General Assembly, has died at the age of 85. Currie was a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of women in Illinois politics, championing liberal causes such as gun control and abolishing the death penalty during her four decades in the legislature.

Why it matters

Currie's passing marks the end of an era in Illinois politics, as she was a pioneering female leader who helped pave the way for greater gender diversity in the state legislature. Her tenure as majority leader and her work on high-profile issues like the impeachment of former Governor Rod Blagojevich solidified her legacy as a respected and influential figure in Illinois government.

The details

Currie represented the Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore and Kenwood districts in the Illinois House for 40 years, serving as majority leader for 20 of those years. She was a vigorous proponent of liberal causes, including prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace, reforming school funding, and expanding state contracts for minority- and female-owned businesses. In 2009, Currie chaired the bipartisan committee that recommended the impeachment of then-Governor Rod Blagojevich.

  • Currie was elected to the Illinois General Assembly's 24th District in 1978.
  • Her district was redrawn to the 26th District in 1983 and the 25th in 1993.
  • Currie announced her retirement in 2017, opting not to seek reelection in 2018.
  • Currie died on Thursday, April 17, 2026 at the age of 85.

The players

Barbara Flynn Currie

A longtime Illinois state representative who served as the first woman majority leader in the Illinois General Assembly, championing liberal causes such as gun control and abolishing the death penalty during her four decades in the legislature.

Emanuel 'Chris' Welch

The current Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who praised Currie as a 'trailblazer who opened doors for generations of women' in the legislature.

Michael Madigan

The former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who appointed Currie as majority leader in 1997 despite opposition from some downstate Democrats.

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What they’re saying

“Last night we lost a giant. Barbara Flynn Currie was more than a leader — she was a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of women in the Illinois House, many of whom continue her legacy today. ... She set the standard for what it means to serve with purpose. Her impact will be felt for generations.”

— Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives

“To overturn the results of an election is not something that should be undertaken lightly.”

— Barbara Flynn Currie

“Republican women gave me flowers. Secretaries and staff in the Capitol were thrilled. One of my girlfriends nearly ran her car off the road. The depth of excitement was really quite thrilling.”

— Barbara Flynn Currie

The takeaway

Currie's trailblazing career as the first woman majority leader in the Illinois General Assembly and her tireless advocacy for progressive causes cemented her legacy as a pioneering figure who paved the way for greater gender diversity and representation in state government.