Shanahan Passing Petitions for Another Benton Challenge
Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) could get a rematch in 2026 with GOP candidate Gabby Shanahan.
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Gabby Shanahan, an Illinois Policy Institute staffer who came within 2,500 votes of defeating Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) last year, may be back for another bite at the apple next year.
Shanahan confirmed Tuesday she is passing petitions to challenge Benton in the 97th District, which stretches from the west side of Joliet north to Plainfield and Oswego.
Republicans believed Shanahan was one of their top chances to win a Democrat-held seat last year, but Benton held on after Democrats spent more than $1 million on broadcast TV in the final days of the campaign.
They believe Shanahan can win this time, too.
“Harry Benton eked out a victory last cycle by spending millions of dollars lying about his opponent because he couldn’t defend his record,” said a House GOP campaign arm spokesman. “He is just another double-dipping politician who is making a fortune on the backs of local taxpayers while families struggle against high prices, soaring energy costs, and brutal property taxes. He’s voted for bloated budgets, sold out to Springfield insiders, and lied about those around him. Voters hungry for integrity and results will hold him accountable in 2026.”
Benton won the race by around 4 points last year. Kamala Harris won the district by around 4 points last year, as well. Governor Pritzker won it by around 7 points in 2022.
