Jessica Dixon Heitman appointed Illinois state rep for 97th District

Democratic leaders in Will and Kendall counties appointed Jessica Dixon Heitman to fill the vacant Illinois House seat for the 97th District after Rep. Harry Benton resigned amid an ethics investigation that alleged sexual harassment. Heitman, a communications professional who previously worked for the Illinois Senate and House and served briefly as Benton's media coordinator, was sworn in by Will County Circuit Court Judge Colette Safford and will appear on the November ballot as the Democratic nominee.

Heitman, the granddaughter of former U.S. Senator Alan Dixon, said she will prioritize tougher ethics legislation, strengthen public schools, ease property‑tax burdens, support local businesses, workers’ rights and improve healthcare equity. The 97th District is one of the few truly competitive seats in the state’s heavily gerrymandered map, making the appointment politically significant for local voters.