E-News Updates from Rep. Fritts – August 11, 2026

Good afternoon!

I hope you’re enjoying the summer and finding time to spend with family and friends.

The Illinois Legislative Inspector General released a report following their investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against former State Rep. Harry Benton. The report raises even more questions about the way Speaker Welch refused to act. Read more below.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office at any time. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 815-561-3690.


Celebrating Mr. & Mrs. Fritts!

In July, I had the best day marrying the love of my life, Mrs. Taylor Fritts! So thankful to our family and friends who joined us for this special day.


Legislative Inspector General Releases Benton Report

The Illinois Legislative Inspector General released a report following their investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against former State Rep. Harry Benton.

Public service is a privilege. Yet, the actions of former State Representative Harry Benton were utterly unbecoming of someone elected to office.

This report raises serious questions about the way House Speaker Chris Welch is running his office. Speaker Welch was first notified about allegations against Rep. Benton in 2023, yet refused to act until another woman came forward. Protecting a member when faced with allegations this severe is unacceptable. The people of Illinois deserve better.

Read the full report here.


Summer Tour

Join me for the final event of my 2026 Summer Tour! This tour is one of my favorite parts of being your State Representative, as it allows me to speak directly with the people I am honored to represent.

Town Hall – Paw Paw
WHEN:
August 11th, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
WHERE: Paw Paw Community Center – 362 Chicago Road, Paw Paw

If you’re unable to attend, you can contact my office at any time by phone at 815-561-3690 or by email at [email protected].


Happy Intern Day!

In honor of National Intern Day on July 30th, I want to recognize our two summer interns: Patrick and Cayden! They have both been rock stars this summer as they assist our district team with outreach across the 74th. Thank you both for your hard work!


Community Outreach

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our Rx Take Back Event! I always appreciate hosting these events because they make our homes and communities safer. A special thank you to the Ogle County Health Department and the Rochelle Police Department for partnering with us to make this event possible.

It was great to join Martin Equipment as they celebrated 100 years as a John Deere dealer! Congratulations on this incredible milestone and thank you for your continued investment in our local communities. Wishing the entire Martin Equipment team many more years of success!

I welcomed a House Democratic colleague to the 74th District through the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Adopt-a-Legislator Program. This program is incredibly important because it allows us to show urban legislators what life is like in rural Illinois, with an emphasis on the importance of agriculture. Our communities often have different wants and needs, and this program gave me a chance to advocate for what the people of the 74th District need in Springfield.

My office stopped by the ribbon-cutting for Good News Coffee Company in Rock Falls. It’s always exciting to see a new local business open its doors in our area. Congratulations to all involved in this new venture, and thank you for investing in the Rock Falls community!

Rochelle’s new Pocket Park recently unveiled their beautiful new mural! Painted by local artist Mat Steder, it honors Leonard Carmichael and his lasting impact of giving back to the community. It’s great to see this new community space come together as another place for residents and visitors to enjoy!

My office attended the LaSalle County Township Officials’ Association and LaSalle County Highway Commissioners’ Association Annual Summer Picnic. It was a great chance to visit with local officials from across the county and hear about the work they’re doing in their communities. Thank you to everyone who helped put together another successful event!


Museum Pass

Are you looking to visit one of the incredible museums across the Chicagoland area? Utilize my office’s FREE museum pass, allowing admission to any participating museum for up to four people.

Reservations are required and must be made by completing our request form, which can be completed by clicking here.


Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts