SPRINGFIELD — Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch addressed for the first time on Wednesday his decision to remove state Rep. Harry Benton from key caucus responsibilities earlier this year, confirming that the action related to concerns involving victims but refraining from providing detailed information.

Welch spoke to reporters outside his Capitol office following a lengthy House session, which included the passage of legislation supporting the Chicago Bears’ proposed relocation to Arlington Heights. When asked about Benton's future, Welch declined to discuss whether the Plainfield Democrat should resign, emphasizing the importance of due process.

“There is a process in place that guarantees every one of us due process,” Welch said. “We’re going to allow that process to play out.” He added that discussing ongoing matters with the press was inappropriate, underscoring the need to respect both victims and individuals’ rights.

The Illinois House Republican Organization has criticized Welch for not being forthcoming about Benton's removal from committee assignments and caucus duties in February. The GOP cited a report that linked the removal to sexual harassment allegations. Multiple sources familiar with the situation confirmed those allegations to be sexual harassment-related. House Democrats were reportedly informed privately that the legislative inspector general’s office was handling the case, though the office has declined to comment.

According to documents obtained through an open-records request, Welch sent a memo on Feb. 25 instructing House Clerk John Hollman to strip Benton of membership on eight committees, including Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education, Insurance, Labor & Commerce, and Police & Fire, as well as two subcommittees focused on commerce and utilities.

Benton, an ironworker who has served in the Illinois House since 2023, is scheduled to face Republican Gabby Shanahan in a rematch this November. In the 2024 election, Benton secured his seat by more than 2,300 votes out of nearly 53,000 cast.

Welch’s handling of Benton’s situation draws parallels to controversies involving his predecessor, Michael Madigan, who faced criticism for his management of sexual harassment allegations within the caucus before resigning amid a federal corruption investigation.

This is not the first instance where Welch has removed a member from leadership roles. In 2025, state Rep. Fred Crespo lost his committee chairmanship and caucus privileges after working on a budget plan independently of party leadership. Similarly, in 2023, longtime state Rep. Mary Flowers was removed from leadership following allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Welch reiterated that protecting victims and upholding due process remain central to his approach but said further details would be revealed in due course.