(Photo courtesy of gabbyforillinois.com)
Illinois Representative Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) has not been seen in Springfield during the 2026 Spring session of the 104th Illinois General Assembly.
The Illinois House was adjourned for the week, after being in session Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20. Sources confirm Rep. Benton appears to be a “no show” in Springfield thus far this session.
In the past several weeks, Benton has not commented publicly on his removal by House Speaker Chris Welch of all of his committee assignments, and from the House Democratic Caucus. Speaker Welch has not commented on the demotion, either.
The demotion comes as Rep. Benton has been under scrutiny since allegations arose of sexual harassment, according to multiple sources. Those allegations are unconfirmed.
Rep. Benton is a union ironworker, who was first elected to the Illinois House in 2022. His far southwest suburban district – which includes parts of Joliet and Plainfield – is one of the most competitive in the state.
WJOL reached out to Rep. Benton’s District Office to ask why the Representative has not been in Springfield this session to represent his constituents. A spokeswoman from his District Office replied, “No comment.”
Asked if the Representative plans to return to Springfield at any point this session, the spokeswoman again replied, “No comment.”
In 2024, Rep. Benton was victorious over Republican Gabby Shanahan by nearly 2,300 votes. Shanahan is again challenging Rep. Benton in the November 2026 General Election.
WJOL reached out to Shanahan by phone to get her insight into Rep. Benton’s absence in Springfield. She could not be reached for comment. Unlike her opponent, sources say Shanahan has been in Springfield during this Spring session.
The Illinois House and Senate reconvened this week. Today – Friday, March 27 – is the deadline to pass House Bills out of House Committees. Will Rep. Benton be in attendance? His spokeswoman said, “No comment.”
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March 27, 2026 at 11:56AM
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