Illinois GOP urges ethics reforms after Democratic lawmakers face resignation and indictment

Illinois House Republicans are demanding new ethics reforms and greater accountability after two Democratic lawmakers became embroiled in scandal. Former Rep. Harry Benton (D‑Plainfield) resigned on July 3 following an internal ethics report that found unspecified inappropriate behavior. A week later, Rep. Carol Ammons (D‑Urbana) was indicted on ten federal corruption charges, including wire fraud, false statements to the FBI and obstruction of justice, for allegedly misusing campaign and state funds. Her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons, was also charged.

Republican leaders, including House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, called the week “disgraceful” and urged Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch to support stronger transparency measures and consider a special investigative committee that could lead to Ammons’ expulsion. While Welch temporarily removed Ammons from the Democratic caucus, he stopped short of demanding her resignation, citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The GOP argues that further action is needed to restore public trust in the Illinois legislature.