Pritzker Calls For 2 IL State Senators To Resign Over Allegations

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday called for two state lawmakers to resign over accusations against them, including a senator who has been charged with bribery by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Pritzker issued a statement Thursday morning saying that State Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) and Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) should resign “in the best interests of their constituents”. Jones was charged with federal bribery charges following a three-year investigation involving his connection with red light camera company SafeSpeed LLC.

Hastings has been accused by his wife of putting her in a headlock and repeatedly slamming her into a door, according to police records obtained by news outlets. Hastings has said the allegations are false and is suing the Village of Frankfort, claiming the police report from the June 2021 allegation was leaked.

In his statement on Thursday, Pritzker called for his fellow Democrats to resign and said integrity is essential to public service.

“Corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable,” the governor said. “Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them — not on holding office when facing serious and credible charges.

He continued: “Sen. Jones is accused of accepting bribes. And Senator Hastings is accused of abusing women. They should answer the charges and have their day in court. But in the best interests of their constituents, these men must resign from their offices. Resigning only their leadership roles falls short of what the public should expect. I want to send a clear message to the people of Illinois: corruption and abuse have no place here.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, Hastings said he won't resign.

"The allegation made therein are baseless and without merit," he said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the best interests of the hard-working men and women of the south suburbs. The voters can choose between a public servant who has selflessly served his country and community for 25 years or a MAGA extremist who wants to take away a women’s fundamental right to choose."

In the announcement of charges against Jones, the U.S. Attorney said that Jones, the son of former Illinois State Senate President Emil Jones Jr., accepted a $5,000 bribe and a job for an associate in exchange for his role in pushing for legislation the protected the rights of SafeSpeed LLC.

The charges also allege that Jones lied to the FBI. His father issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the charges “do not reflect the man he is” and said he will stand by his son throughout the legal process.

Hastings alleges that the police report contains "defamatory statements" and "false claims" of domestic violence made by his estranged wife, including an allegation she was battered by her husband approximately eight months prior. He has since resigned from his role as whip for the Democratic Majority caucus.

"Like half of America today, my family and I are experiencing what happens to every family who goes through the divorce process," Hastings said last month through an emailed statement to Patch. "Unfortunately, my divorce is in the public eye. In order to properly manage the local needs of the senate district while separating from my estranged wife, it was in the Senate's best interest that I step down from my leadership position. Regardless of my family situation, I will continue to serve our communities in the south suburbs and work to represent my constituents to the best of my ability."