Elmhurst Lawmaker Mum On Speaker's Handling Of Sexual Harassment Allegations

ELMHURST, IL – State Rep. Marti Deuter, an Elmhurst Democrat, is publicly silent on the scandal surrounding House Speaker Chris Welch's handling of sexual harassment complaints.

In 2024, the Democratic speaker's political committee donated $1.4 million to Deuter's successful campaign against Republican Dennis Reboletti.

Some Democratic House members have questioned Welch's response to sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton, a Plainfield Democrat. They have alleged that Welch's lack of action allowed Benton's alleged harassment of others.

In the last week, Patch has left two messages with Deuter, asking for her views on the controversy. She did not respond.

Her District 45 includes Elmhurst and parts of Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Westmont, among other towns.

Republicans long represented towns such as Elmhurst. But like much of suburban America, Democrats have made significant inroads during the Trump era.

The local legislative district was considered an election battleground as recently as 2024.

In 2022, conservative Republican Rep. Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst lost to Democrat Jenn Ladisch Douglass, who bowed out after one term.

Deuter defeated the more moderate Reboletti in 2024, with nearly 54 percent of the vote.

In that race, the Democrats for the Illinois House committee contributed $1.4 million to Deuter's campaign. Welch is the committee's chairman.

The state Democratic Party chipped in another $300,000.

Republican committees, meanwhile, gave $381,000 to Reboletti.

Each year, the Democrats and Republicans seriously contest only a few districts.

It appears District 45 may no longer be considered a battleground.

Deuter's Republican opponent is Gina Parrilli of Westmont. In the last quarter, Parrilli raised about $1,000, according to election board records.

At the same time two years ago, Reboletti had collected $22,000, including donations from the House Republican Organization and several GOP lawmakers.