Chicago – July 04, 2026
Democratic Illinois State Rep. Harry Benton has resigned following an ethics investigation that found conduct described as unbecoming of an elected official, prompting calls from Illinois’ governor and legislative leaders for him to step down.
Benton sent his resignation letter to Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch on Friday.
Benton’s name will be removed from the ballot for his re-election bid the November election.
Benton, who was in his second term representing Plainfield and other parts of the southwest suburbs in the 97th District, faced scrutiny since late February, when Welch said victims had come forward with complaints. Welch removed Benton from the House Democratic Caucus and stripped him of all committee assignments. The Legislative Inspector General began investigating ethical complaints against Benton during the first week of March.
Gov. JB Pritzker said earlier this week that the process had taken too long but emphasized the seriousness of the findings.
