Working for Illinois Caucus

Plainfield Village Trustee Harry Benton announced he will again run for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Benton, a union ironworker, will run for the Democratic nomination for the 97th District, which includes parts of western Will County, according to a news release. He ran unsuccessfully in 2020 for the same seat against incumbent state Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield.

“For too long, politicians in Springfield have failed our families and failed to accomplish what people need in their day-to-day lives,” Benton said in a statement. “I am proud to announce my campaign to provide real leadership and representation to what working and middle-class families in our communities deserve.”

Benton cited his work on the Plainfield Village Board as an advocate for small businesses, improving public safety, against higher taxes and improving local infrastructure. Benton was first elected to the Plainfield Village Board in 2019.

This election cycle will feature an open seat in the 97th District since Batinick announced he would not run for reelection.

Two candidates, Tom McCullagh of Shorewood and Michelle Smith, the Plainfield Township clerk, are running for the Republican nomination to the seat.

The 97th District, starting in the 2022 cycle, will include parts of Joliet, Plainfield and Shorewood.