Illinois Rep. Harry Benton Resigns Following Ethics Probe

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced on July 1 that he would move to expel Representative Harry Benton unless the lawmaker resigned. Welch cited findings from the Legislative Inspector General that detailed alleged sexual‑harassment misconduct and described the conduct as “outrageous, unethical, and unbecoming” of a state legislator.

On July 3, Benton submitted his resignation, effective 4:59 p.m., and withdrew his name from the Democratic ballot for the 97th House District. In his resignation letter he thanked constituents and asked for privacy for his family. The resignation ends a months‑long investigation that had already removed Benton from the Democratic caucus and stripped him of committee assignments. Republican candidate Gabby Shanahan called the episode a failure of accountability and pledged a more transparent approach if elected.