GOP makes political push in House races amid lawmaker controversies

(The Center Square) – Months out from the upcoming general election in November, a number of races for the Illinois House of Representatives are gaining momentum following multiple recent controversies involving Democrat lawmakers.

The 97th district was previously held by Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who resigned this month after the conclusion of an investigation into claims of sexual harassment made against him by a former staffer and a lobbyist.

Benton’s replacement, Jessica Dixon Heitman, was appointed and sworn in to serve the remainder of the term and is on the November midterm ballot.

Heitman faces Republican candidate Gabby Shanahan, who narrowly lost to Benton in the 2024 election for the seat.

The House Republican Organization ran ads against Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Suzanne M. Ness, D-Crystal Lake, Amy Briel, D-Ottowa, and Justin Cochran, D-Des Plaines, in which they noted the lawmakers all remained silent on the investigation into Benton.