POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 2, 2026United States

Illinois House Speaker calls for resignation of Rep. Harry Benton

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has demanded the immediate resignation of state Representative Harry Benton following a confidential watchdog report regarding misconduct allegations. If Benton does not resign, the Speaker intends to initiate formal expulsion proceedings from the House.

ethicsmisconductIllinois House of Representativesresignationexpulsion
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times

Why It Matters

The potential resignation or of Rep. Harry Benton would create a vacancy in the Illinois House of Representatives and impact the representation of the Plainfield district ahead of the November election.

Key Facts

  • Speaker Welch has called for the immediate resignation of Rep. Harry Benton.
  • Welch stated he will initiate expulsion proceedings if Benton does not resign.
  • Expulsion from the Illinois House requires a two-thirds majority vote, totaling 79 votes.
  • The Legislative Inspector General (LIG) report on Benton remains confidential.
  • Welch previously barred Benton from party caucus meetings and committee assignments in February.
  • The LIG recommended that the ban on Benton's caucus and committee participation remain permanent.
  • Under state law, Welch and Benton have 20 days to respond to the LIG findings.
  • The LIG has 30 days following the initial response period to submit a follow-up report to the Legislative Ethics Commission.
  • Case documents cannot be made public without approval from the eight-member, bipartisan Legislative Ethics Commission.
  • Rep. Benton is on the ballot for reelection this November.
  • Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to the Capitol until November.

Who's Mentioned

personMike McCuskey“Legislative Inspector General who authored the report on Benton.”personHarry Benton“State Representative facing calls for resignation due to misconduct allegations.”personJB Pritzker“Governor of Illinois who commented on the seriousness of the report.”personEmanuel “Chris” Welch“Illinois House Speaker who called for Benton's resignation.”personGabby Shanahan“Republican challenger to Benton in the upcoming election.”