UPDATED 1:05 p.m. 7/23/26

(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – If Gov. JB Pritzker’s daughter were a victim of sexual harassment, as former State Rep. Harry Benton has been accused of, “I would want to wring this person’s neck.” Pritzker Wednesday responded to a reporter’s question of what the governor would do if he were the victim’s father. The governor held a news conference following an economic development announcement in Chicago.

Pritzker said Speaker Emanual “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) must be “utterly and completely transparent” about the investigation into Benton, as well as “to the extent that (Welch) made mistakes, to own up to those mistakes.”

Welch reportedly knew of the Benton allegations three years ago, but it was only this year that Benton suffered any sanctions, such as being expelled from the House Democratic caucus and being stripped of his committee assignments. What’s more, the former employee accusing Benton was an intern in the speaker’s office. Welch reportedly reacted to the woman’s social media post with smiling, starry-eyed emojis and also offered to discuss her future by inviting her to a bar.

Pritzker said he is “outraged” at the allegations against Benton, as well as the indictment of State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), who is accused of using the state grant process to enrich herself and her family.

The state’s report on Benton and sexual harassment allegations against him is due to be released, but not before a number of things happen.

A news release from the chair of the Legislative Ethics Commission says both Benton and his accuser will have the opportunity to review the report, respond, and suggest redactions.

The chairman, State Rep Jeff Keicher, says that should be done by the end of the month.

Pritzker wants the legislative inspector general’s report on Benton to be made public.