Amid Uncertain Future, Benton Loses Central Committee Race
Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield)
Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), who was removed from the House Democratic Caucus last month following accusations of sexual harassment, lost his bid to join the Democratic State Central Committee Tuesday.
According to results compiled by The Illinoize Thursday, Benton trails a Will County Township Supervisor, Michael Crowner, with around 52% of the vote to 48% of the vote.
Crowner has around 19,000 votes to around 17,500 votes for Benton for the unpaid, party insider position.
It’s another question mark for Benton’s future, as sources say Democratic leaders want Benton to resign from the House and not seek re-election in November.
Benton narrowly defeated Republican Gabby Shanahan in 2024, and Republicans believe Shanahan has a strong opportunity to defeat the scandal-engulfed Benton.
House Democrats still won’t say why Speaker Chris Welch removed Benton from the caucus and Benton did not return a message (again) from The Illinoize Thursday. He has reportedly not been in Springfield this week.
