Pritzker, Benton’s GOP challenger weigh in calls for resignation

By Sean Reed | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Less than a day after top Democrats in Springfield called on an embattled state lawmaker to resign, Gov. J.B. Pritzker shared his thoughts on removing the two-term representative from his role.

Late Wednesday, a spokesperson for House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released a statement that the investigation, conducted by the Legislative Inspector General, had concluded into Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield.

The findings, “reveal clear patterns of conduct by Representative Benton that are outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming of a member of the Illinois House of Representatives,” according to the statement.

“Today, I spoke directly with Rep. Benton and called for his immediate resignation from the Illinois House of Representatives. If he does not resign, we will initiate the process of expelling him from the House,” Welch’s statement said.

Benton did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment.

While signing a bill in Chicago on Thursday, Pritzker was asked about the report on Benton.

“It has taken too long, but let me begin by saying that in Illinois we demand a very high standard for people who serve in public office. I think the public demands that,” Pritzker said. “I think we should all take that very seriously and certainly Rep. Benton ought to take that very seriously. I do.”

Pritzker said he hadn’t actually seen the report, but he trusts the House speaker’s actions Wednesday.

After allegations of sexual harassment were reported to the LIG, the lawmaker was stripped of all committee assignments and removed from the Democratic caucus in late February. Welch, D-Hillside, remained silent on the lawmaker’s ousting for months.

“He wouldn’t call for the resignation unless there was something or some things in that report that are very, very serious,” Pritzker said of Welch. “I would hope that justice would be done here – and I have to say the speaker doesn’t call for people’s resignation very often.”

Benton’s Republican challenger in the suburban swing district for the upcoming election in November, Gabby Shanahan, told The Center Square that, despite a lack of transparency over the investigation, she’s prepared to take on whatever name is on the Democrat’s portion of the ballot.

“Regardless of who we’re running against, we’re just running our race. We’re keeping our head down. We’re focused on our message of integrity, transparency, and accountability down in Springfield,” Shanahan said Thursday.

Shanahan, who works as an engagement director with Americans for Prosperity, lost to Benton by 4.4% – about 2,300 votes – in 2024, and would likely face a new challenger appointed by the state’s Democratic chair, but Benton would be required to resign and a replacement chosen by Aug. 21, the day the State Board of Elections certifies November ballots.