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Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch released the following statement Friday:
“The House is in receipt of Representative Harry Benton’s letter of resignation, effective today at 4:59 p.m.
“I am grateful to those who came forward and trusted our office to listen, support them, and ensure their concerns were handled appropriately.”
* Rep. Benton’s letter of resignation…
Speaker Welch and Esteemed Colleagues:
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as State Representative for the 97th House District, effective at 4:59 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026. I also intend to withdraw my name as the Democratic nominee for the 97th House District and will take the necessary steps to remove my name from the November general election ballot.
This matter has placed tremendous strain on my family since it began in late February. As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, I respectfully ask that our privacy be honored
Serving the people of the 97th House District since January 2023 has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I am grateful to my colleagues for the opportunity to work alongside them on behalf of the people of Illinois, and I wish each of you continued success as you carry forward the important work of this General Assembly.
Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to the constituents of the 97th House District for placing their trust in me and electing me to serve as their representative. I am deeply grateful for that confidence and respectfully ask for your understanding and privacy as I leave the General Assembly.
…Adding… 97th HD Republican candidate Gabby Shanahan…
Following the news that Representative Harry Benton has resigned from office, Gabby Shanahan, candidate for State Representative in the 97th District, released the following statement:
“The need for honesty, integrity, and transparency did not begin with Harry Benton, and it does not end with his resignation. For too long, too many politicians have put themselves ahead of the people. That is why so many people have lost trust in government.
“For 126 days, families here were left without the representation they deserved. Questions went unanswered. Transparency was missing. And the political class stayed silent.
“At the same time, families struggle with high property taxes, rising costs, and the same failed politics that have made life harder.
“Our district deserved a representative fully able to serve them. They did not get it.
“Too many people in power acted like it didn’t matter. I know it does.
“Accountability is not just a press release. It is not months of silence followed by a Friday afternoon announcement before a holiday weekend. Accountability is a promise you make to the people you serve every single day.
”That is my promise. I will always be honest. I will always show up. And I will always put the people I represent ahead of myself, so together, we can bring positive change to state government.”
…Adding… Wheatland Township Democrats…
As the Chair of the Wheatland Township Democrats and the former Chair of the Will County Board, I believe deeply in public service and the high ethical standards we must demand from those who represent us. It is with a clear sense of that duty, that I am publicly calling on Harry Benton to resign from his elected office as Wheatland Township Highway Commissioner.
When the Speaker of the House reviewed the Inspector General’s findings and explicitly stated that if Benton did not step down, he would actively seek his expulsion from the General Assembly, it sends an undeniable signal. That level of action by leadership indicates that the charges are both incredibly serious and well-founded.
To be clear, I do not know the specifics of the accusations against Representative Benton. Furthermore, we have no evidence of malfeasance or wrongdoing regarding his position at the township. However, this is not a court of law, and this is not a legal case. Elected officials can, and should, be held to a higher ethical standard.
Wheatland Township deserves representation free from the cloud of ethical misconduct. Harry Benton needs to step down.
Sincerely,
Mimi Cowan
Chair, Wheatland Township Democrats
* Sen. Cappel…
State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) released the following statement regarding the resignation of State Representative Harry Benton:
“Representative Benton’s decision to resign is the right one for the district and the constituents he was elected to serve. Public service requires trust, integrity and accountability, and this is an important step toward allowing the community to move forward.
I look forward to reviewing the findings of the investigation when they become available so that those impacted can get the answers, support and peace they deserve. I commend those who came forward, and I remain committed to ensuring every person feels heard, respected and safe.”
