Harry Benton

Harry Benton
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 97th district
In office
January 11, 2023 – July 3, 2026
Preceded byMark Batinick
Succeeded byJessica Dixon Heitman
Personal details
PartyDemocratic

Harry Benton (born 1987 or 1988) is an American politician who served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 97th district from 2023 until his resignation in 2026.

By profession, Benton is a union ironworker. Benton was a Plainfield village trustee and the unsuccessful Democratic nominee in the same district in 2020.

In February 2026, he was removed from the Democratic caucus and all committees by Speaker Chris Welch. He resigned in July 2026 following an ethics investigation, which found that he had engaged in a "pattern and practice of inappropriate sexual conduct" dating back to 2023, shortly after he had been seated. It later became known that Welch had been aware of sexual harassment allegations against Benton as early as early as April 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 Gorner, Jeremy (July 3, 2026). "Illinois Rep. Harry Benton resigns after investigation into conduct Speaker Welch called 'outrageous'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 4, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Meet the Freshmen: Rep. Harry Benton". The Illinoize. February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Harry Benton endorsed for Illinois House District 97". Daily Herald. October 21, 2022. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  4. ↑ Moore, Brenden. "State Rep. Harry Benton booted from House Democratic caucus". Capitol News Illinois. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Moore, Brenden; Nowicki, Jerry (July 31, 2026). "Report Finds 'Pattern and Practice' of Sexual Harassment by Ex-Rep. Harry Benton". WTTW News. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Illinois House Speaker Welch's office knew of harassment claims against disgraced state Rep. Benton years ago". Chicago Tribune. July 17, 2026. Retrieved October 3, 2026.