Rep. Harry Benton Resigns

Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) sits on the House floor in April. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)

More than four months after being removed from the House Democratic caucus amid sexual harassment allegations and two days after a Legislative Inspector General’s report led House Speaker Chris Welch to call on him to resign or face expulsion from the House, Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), has resigned.

House Speaker Chris Welch announced Benton resigned, effective 4:59 p.m. Friday.

Democrats will have 30 days to choose his replacement.

In his resignation letter, Benton claimed he was also withdrawing from the November ballot, but has yet to do so, records show.

Republicans had hoped Benton’s scandal had made his seat their best pickup opportunity in November for their candidate, Gabby Shanahan.

Benton has until August to withdraw officially.