Speaker’s response to staffer assault complaint draws questions on his own conduct

By Sean Reed | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – After reporting about a now-resigned state representative and allegations that Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch may have mishandled allegations against the lawmaker, new questions are being raised about the speaker’s own behavior, particularly toward women on staff.

The Chicago Tribune reported details last week from an unnamed former staffer of former Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, who accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment in 2023.

Questions arose as to why Welch didn’t take immediate action on the complaint made to his office until a second woman, this time a lobbyist, reached out with her own complaint about Benton earlier this year.

The staffer, a previous intern for the speaker, also shared evidence of Welch interacting with her on social media in ways that made her feel uncomfortable, such as responding to her photos with heart-eyed emojis.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker was asked Wednesday if he has confidence in Welch following the recent reporting. Pritzker signaled that Welch is listening to his caucus and explaining himself, though only behind the scenes for now.

“I understand he’s been having a series of meetings with the different caucuses in the House. So I haven’t gotten reports other than perhaps things I’ve read in the news about that,” Pritzker said.

The House Republicans released a new advertisement Wednesday targeting Welch, alleging that the staffer in the recent reporting is just one example in a pattern of behavior.

Mark Carvers, political director of the Illinois House Republican Organization, said in a statement that the new ad against the speaker would run online through the end of the week, noting he has a history of mistreating women, referring to a 2002 police report from Hillside where an ex-girlfriend accused Welch of attempted assault, but didn’t press charges.

“His continued behavior online has once again left women feeling uncomfortable. Illinois deserves better from the Speaker of the House and House Democrats should stop looking the other way,” Carvers said in the statement.

Pritzker was also asked, based on currently known information, if Welch should step down from being the House speaker.

“There is more information and more revelation, in my view, that must come. And indeed, I believe that the speaker should answer questions about that, and be very transparent. He has pledged to do so. I’m just saying these meetings are not over,” Pritzker said.

Welch’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, released her own statement in response to Welch’s reported conduct, as did the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, which she chairs.

“I am troubled by Speaker Welch’s conduct toward the staff member described in the Tribune’s reporting. Legislators – especially those in leadership – must hold themselves to the highest standard of professionalism,” read Canty’s statement. “The Speaker’s reported conduct fell short of that standard. I appreciate Speaker Welch’s willingness to engage in open dialogue with legislators about his conduct, and I look forward to that dialogue being matched with action.”

The Legislative Ethics Commission is expected to meet before the end of the month amid growing demands from both sides of the aisle for its report to be made public. The commission is expected to discuss its voluntary release.

According to state statute, the body has jurisdiction over current and former members of the legislature in their capacity as lawmakers, so if the report’s findings reveal more wrongdoing, the body may also take further action against Benton.