Coughlin Vacancy - Michael CabonargiSubcircuit Vacancies
1st Subcircuit (Walker) - Tiffany N. BrooksAlready-posted Organizing the Data posts will be updated as soon as possible.
8th Subcircuit (Mikva) - Katherine C. Morrison
17th Subcircuit (Carroll) - André Thapedi
20th Subcircuit (Miller) - Jon Stromsta
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Ashley Shambley is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Shambley was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. She has over 14 years of experience as a public defender, handling complex homicide cases. Ms. Shambley is actively involved in her community and various charities and has a deep level of commitment to public service. She is respected for her integrity, knowledge of the law, and excellent demeanor and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ashley Greer Shambley was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. She started her career as an associate in the Law office of John F. Lyke. Since 2012 she has been an Assistant Public Defender in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office. As most of her experience is in criminal law, she has had some domestic relations practice. She lists twenty-seven criminal trials-to-verdict as a lead counsel and twenty as assisting counsel.
Ms. Greer Shambley has been active in several social and legal associations and an executive board member of AFSCME since 2023. She is described as being on top of the law with tremendous legal knowledge, unimpeachable character and highly respected by opposing counsels and judges. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ashley Greer Shambley qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, the JEC Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for [Odom's] current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ginger Leigh Odom was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. Effective June 23, 2025, she was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the election of Justice Carl A. Walker to the Appellate Court. Prior to the appointment, she had been an Assistant Appellate Defender since 2004 in the Office of the State Appellate Defender’s Office. In 2020 she was named Director of the Expungement Unit and also served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice.
Judge Odom’s present assignment is in the Traffic Division. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ginger Odom qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Tiffany Brooks declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives. (The Council has, however, rated this candidate Not Recommended because she declined to participate in the Alliance screening process. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Tiffany N. Brooks was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Public records show she is currently the General Counsel for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a position she has held since December 2020.
Ms. Brooks declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Tiffany N. Brooks is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Cobbs Vacancy - Luz Maria ToledoSubcircuit Vacancies
Coughlin Vacancy - Michael Cabonargi
1st Subcircuit (Balanoff) - Radiance WardAlready-posted Organizing the Data posts will be updated as soon as possible.
1st Subcircuit (Walker) - Ashley Greer Shambley
3rd Subcircuit (Sherlock) - Neutral
8th Subcircuit (Gamrath) - Garson Fischer
8th Subcircuit (Mikva) - Katherine C. Morrison
11th Subcircuit (Meyerson) - Neutral
17th Subcircuit (Brooks) - Meridth Hammer
17th Subcircuit (Carroll) - André Thapedi
19th Subcircuit (Kane) - John Harkins
20th Subcircuit (Miller) - Jon Stromsta
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Jarrett M. Knox is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Knox was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2008. His practice has had a primary focus in public guardianship and child protection. He is held in high regard by his adversaries, particularly for his integrity and professional demeanor. His ability to remain calm, balanced, and measured in emotionally charged cases involving minors, abuse, and neglect underscores his strong judicial temperament and makes him exceptionally well suited for service on the Circuit Court bench.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Jarrett Miller Knox was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. He has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2019 in the Child Protection Division. Prior to this, he was an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services and an Assistant Public Guardian and worked as a staff attorney at the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and Legal Aid Society.
Mr. Knox is described as incredibly smart, knowledgeable and thorough. He has been complemented as being a special person for staying in Child Protection as a Guardian ad litem and Assistant State’s Attorney which makes him sensitive to issues faced by his clients. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jarrett Knox qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John R. Carrozza is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Judge. Mr. Carrozza was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005. He has been practicing law in a variety of practice areas, including criminal defense, breach of contract, mechanic’s lien, probate and real estate. He has a strong devotion to public service, as evidenced by his involvement in volunteer efforts that benefit the disadvantaged and people with disabilities. He is well respected by judges, colleagues, and adversaries for his legal knowledge and ability.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
John Roy Carrozza was admitted to practice in 2005. From 2005 to 2009, he was an associate at Spina, McGuire and Okal. He started his own firm in 2009, where his practice consists of 40% criminal cases, 25% real estate matters, 15% probate matters, the remainder consisting of eviction, corporate or building code violations. Mr. Carrozza has no jury trial experience but reports 2 - 5 civil bench trials and 5 - 10 criminal bench trials in the last 5 years.
Mr. Carrozza is a member of the ISBA. He is chair of the Tootsie Roll Drive for the Knights of Columbus. He is a board member of the Sheridan-Carroll Charitable Works group. He has been involved with the latter two organizations for at least twenty years. The candidate received favorable comments from interviewees in all areas, including legal knowledge, sensitivity, and preparedness.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Radiance Ward is "Highly Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ward was admitted to practice law in 2007. She began her career as a solo practitioner handling family law cases, before joining a Legal Aid group helping victims of domestic violence. She subsequently worked for the Cook County Circuit Court as a staff attorney. For the past 12 years, Ms. Ward has been an Assistant Public Defender, working her way up the ranks to where she now primarily handles murder cases at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building. She also is an adjunct Professor at Loyola and coaches a mock trial team. Ms. Ward is highly respected for her integrity, courtroom experience, legal knowledge, and her ability to empathize with litigants.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Radiance Ward was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. Since 2013 she has worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the Homicide Task Force Unit, and as an adjunct law professor at Loyola University – Chicago School of Law teaching intensive trial practice. From 2012 to 2013 she was a case manager in the Office of the Chief Judge. From 2009 to 2012 she was a solo practitioner with concentration on domestic relations matters.
Ms. Ward has been described as extremely bright, dedicated and has a very good understanding of the law. She has a high regard for rules of ethics; is very calm; well-prepared for trial and handles her cases diligently and efficiently. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Radiance Ward qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Natalie L. Howse declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives. (The Council has, however, rated this candidate Not Recommended because she declined to participate in the Alliance screening process. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Natalie L. Howse was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Public records show she is owner and principal of the Law Office of Natalie L. Howse with a concentration in civil defense. Ms. Howse declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Natalie L. Howse is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Coughlin Vacancy - Michael CabonargiSubcircuit Vacancies
1st Subcircuit (Balanoff) - Natalie L. HowseThe FOP made no endorsement in the 3rd Subcircuit race, so the authors of the Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide are spared from having to 'pull' their endorsement in that race. But... wouldn't you know it? Both the FOP and the Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide endorsed Elizabeth Christina Dibler in the 8th Subcircuit.
8th Subcircuit (Gamrath) - Elizabeth Christina Dibler
8th Subcircuit (Mikva) - Katherine C. Morrison
19th Subcircuit (Kane) - Dave Condron
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Martin Douglas Reggi is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Reggi has practiced law since 1990. Most of his experience is in criminal defense, although he has recently done some civil work. The Committee has concerns about Mr. Reggi’s organizational skills and whether he could manage a call and listen to evidence and arguments and organize facts properly to analyze them and apply the law.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Martin Douglas Reggi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1980. After spending several years as an Assistant State’s Attorney, he opened a solo practice focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate, Secretary of State hearings and evictions. He has some jury trial experience as well as misdemeanor bench trial and quasi-criminal matters. He is a member of various bar associations.
Mr. Reggi is reported to be fair and impartial and treats all with respect; however, concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of his current legal experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Martin Douglas Reggi not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Rachel S. Marrello is “Not Recommended” for the office of Circuit Judge. Ms. Marrello was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2000. Currently, she is employed by Cook County Health as in-house labor and employment counsel. Ms. Marrello is articulate, has excellent demeanor, and works well with people. She has handled many intricate aspects of public administration. She served as an elected suburban school board member for four years. Although Ms. Marrello handled simple arbitrations and assisted with litigation matters early in her career, she has never tried a case and lacks the trial court experience required to serve as a Circuit Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Rachel Stephanie Marrello was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2000. She held a variety of positions in private labor/employment firms until 2010 when she joined the Cook County and Forest Preserve as the Shakman compliance administrator. In 2010, Ms. Marrello joined the Cook County Independent Investigator General’s Office as an investigator. Since 2022, she has been in-house labor and employment counsel for Cook County Health. She reports as having acted as hearing officer or presenter for eighty-five quasi-judicial hearings in the past five years.
Ms. Marrello serves on the board of the Bellwood Stray Crew. She was elected to the Riverside School District Board and served as vice president or board member from 2013 to 2017. Respondents praised her professionalism, temperament and sensitivity. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Rachel S. Marrello qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Cobbs Vacancy - Luz Maria ToledoSubcircuit Vacancies
Coughlin Vacancy - Michael Cabonargi
1st Subcircuit (Balanoff) - Radiance WardI found these endorsements while looking for something else. Already-posted Organizing the Data posts will be updated accordingly.
1st Subcircuit (Walker) - Ashley Greer Shambley
8th Subcircuit (Gamrath) - Garson Fischer
8th Subcircuit (Mikva) - Katherine C. Morrison
17th Subcircuit (Brooks) - Meridth Hammer
17th Subcircuit (Carroll) - André Thapedi
19th Subcircuit (Kane) - John Harkins
20th Subcircuit (Miller) - Jon Stromsta
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Amari Dawson declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives. (The Council has, however, rated this candidate Not Recommended because she declined to participate in the Alliance screening process. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Amari Dawson declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Public records indicate that Ms. Dawson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005 and is with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, Amari Dawson is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Bianca B. Brown is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Brown was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2010. She spent 14 years working at public agencies, including the City of Chicago, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the CTA. She is now in private practice. Ms. Brown has been extremely active in bar association activities and has demonstrated a commitment to public service. She has vast trial experience, and is knowledgeable, even-handed, and well suited to serve as a judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Bianca Brjhett Brown was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2010. Prior to her current position as a senior associate with Pretzel & Stouffer since April 2025 where she is a trial attorney, she has worked for the Chicago Transit Authority as a Chief Attorney, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division, the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, and as a solo practitioner concentrating on criminal defense and family law.
Ms. Brown is praised for her legal knowledge and grasp of the issues. She has served for nine years on the Hearing Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the Illinois State Bar Association. She is described as professional, a person of integrity, and sensitive to diversity and bias. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Bianca B. Brown qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
André Thapedi declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives. (However, inasmuch as the candidate declined to participate in the Alliance screening process, he was automatically found Not Recommended by the Council. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Public records indicate that André Thapedi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. From 2009 to 2021 he was a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing Auburn, Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Chatham, West Englewood, and portions of Justice and Hickory Hills.
Mr. Thapedi declined to participate in the judicial evaluation process. Pursuant to ISBA guidelines, André Thapedi is not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Committee's Governing Resolution, the JEC Executive Committee has voted to issue a "Qualified" rating for Monica Gail Somerville's current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Monica Somerville was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1990. Since January 2025 she has been a staff attorney at Cabrini-Green Legal Aid handling criminal records’ relief matters. She has also been a private practitioner and a hearing officer for the City of Chicago. In the past, she has been employed by various government agencies at the federal, state, county, and city level. She is a member of various bar associations, including as a committee member for the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. She volunteers with the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and has presented on legal matters at various community and law school events.
Ms. Somerville does have some jury and bench trial experience, although the majority is not recent. Attorneys gave positive feedback on her legal knowledge and ability, her open-mindedness, professionalism and impartiality. Concerns were raised about the depth and breadth of her overall experience and her lack of recent trial experience. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Monica G. Somerville not qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
John Harkins declined to participate in the Judicial Evaluation Committee (JEC) screening process and, therefore, according to The Chicago Bar Association’s governing resolution for the JEC, is automatically found NOT RECOMMENDED.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives. (However, this candidate was found Not Recommended by the Council, presumably for the same reasons as those stated by the ISBA, below. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Public Records show that John Harkins was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2018 and is with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office representing the Sheriff’s office in courtrooms throughout the county.
Because he has less than the required ten years of attorney licensure and active legal practice, the Illinois State Bar Association finds John Harkins not recommended for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
David Condron is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Condron was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. He began his 16-year career at the Cook County State's Attorney's office, handling criminal matters, including in the Public Corruption and Financial Crimes Unit and Special Prosecutions, before moving to the Civil Actions Bureau. Mr. Condron subsequently went into private practice, where he handled matters involving commercial real estate and complex construction. Currently, he is an Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor with the City of Chicago's Law Department, dealing with excessive force claims. Mr. Condron is well respected for his calm and professional temperament, his legal knowledge, and his experience in both complex civil and criminal litigation matters.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
David Richard Condron was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Presently he is an Assistant Corporation Counsel Supervisor with the City of Chicago’s Department of Law, defending Chicago Police officers named in civil rights claims. From 2018 to 2013 he was an Associate Counsel with O’Rourke Hogan Fowler & Dwyer with concentrations in construction, mechanics lien and commercial real estate litigation. From 2017 to 2018 he was with Conklin & Conklin handling eminent domain matters on behalf of the State of Illinois. From 2001 to 2017 he was with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting felony cases.
Mr. Condron has been praised for his legal knowledge by supervisors and opponents and has been described as treating everyone with respect and dignity even during difficult and emotional trials. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Dave Condron qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Jon Stromsta is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Stromsta was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1985. Mr. Stromsta worked in private practice with a focus on civil litigation and appeals, family law, and criminal defense. He is currently an Administrative Law Judge at the Illinois Department of Employment Security, where he conducts benefit appeals, evidentiary hearings, drafts decisions and review hearings, and prepares opinions for the Board of Review. He is well regarded for his temperament and possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Jon Karl Stromsta was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1985. In addition to his position with the Illinois Department of Employment Security as an Administrative Law Judge since 2022, he is a Panel Arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. From 2010 to 2024, he was a partner with the Enterprise Law Group in Northfield with concentration in civil and criminal defense litigation and appellate practice. From 2008 to 2010 he practiced family law and general civil litigation and criminal defense at Pasulka & Associates.
From 2004 to 2008 he was with the Office of the State Appellate Defender – Capital Litigation Division / Post Conviction Unit. Mr. Stromsta is praised for his legal knowledge and ability and character and temperament. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Jon Stromsta qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for [Katubig's] current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Belle Lourdes Katubig was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1997. She has been with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2018 representing the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Health. She does have jury trial experience, has been a speaker on legal issues, and is a member of various bar associations and community groups. She has also served on the Illinois Supreme Court’s Committee on Professional Responsibility.
Respondents spoke highly of Ms. Katubig’s legal knowledge and ability, her sensitivity to diversity and bias, her character, impartiality and integrity, and her temperament. The Illinois State Bar Associations finds Belle Katubig qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Luz Toledo is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Toledo was admitted to practice in 2006. She is an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney assigned to the Real Estate and Tax Litigation Division. She previously served in the Appeals Division and spent 12 years prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases. Ms. Toledo is well-respected for her legal knowledge and ability, as well as her calm temperament and demeanor.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Luz Maria Toledo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. From 2007 to 2018 she was an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division where she was responsible for prosecuting all types of misdemeanor and felonies. In 2018 she transferred to the Civil Actions Bureau where she has been litigating real estate tax appeals, representing the Cook County Treasurer, Assessor and the Board of Review.
Ms. Toledo is a member of several Hispanic bar associations where she has participated in food drives and donated her hair. Many people praised her legal knowledge, attention to detail and punctuality. She is sensitive to diverse litigants. She is described as conducting herself with courtesy, professionalism and is calm and even-tempered. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Luz Maria Toledo qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Judge Linda Sackey is "Qualified" for the office of circuit court judge. Judge Sackey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and has served on the bench since January 2025. Prior to her appointment, she had a diverse array of legal experience including in private practice and in the Illinois attorney general's office. Immediately prior to her judicial appointment, she clerked for Illinois supreme court justice Mary Jane Theis. Judge Sackey is well regarded for her legal knowledge and ability and her excellent demeanor and calm temperament.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Linda Sackey was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. Effective January 2025, she was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William H. Hooks. Prior to her appointment she served as a judicial clerk to Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis. From 2013 to 2018 she was an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and served as an adjunct professor at The John Marshall Law School in 2016.
Judge Sackey’s present assignment is in Traffic Division where she presides over misdemeanors like DUI and petty offenses. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Linda Sackey qualified for election to the Circuit of Cook County.
Candidates are listed in the order that they appear on the ballot in the Democratic primary; no Republican filed for any Cook County judicial vacancy for the 2026 primary. This post may be updated before the primary as new information becomes available.
Ashonta C. Rice is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Rice was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005. She began her career in the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office where she served for three years. For the last 18 years, she has been in private practice primarily in the areas of family law, child protection litigation, and guardianship. She possesses the litigation experience along with the temperament and demeanor necessary to serve effectively as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Ashonta Cherron Rice was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Prior to 2024 she was a sole practitioner with concentration primarily in the areas of family law and child protection litigation. In January 2024 she began representing the Park Gold Group on matters including probate, real estate, traffic, small claims and social security disability claims.
It is reported that Ms. Rice is versed in all areas of the law; is extraordinarily competent; treats everyone equally; holds herself to a high standard; and presents herself as calm and mild-mannered. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Ashonta C. Rice qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Michael Carbonargi is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Carbonargi was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2001. He has a broad range of high-level legal experience and is currently serving as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Mr. Carbonargi is well respected for his legal knowledge, his calm and professional demeanor and his integrity. He possesses the requisite qualifications to serve as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
The Council has not yet released candidate narratives.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Michael Cabonargi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. Effective June 2025, Mr. Cabonargi was appointed to fill the vacancy of retired Judge Mary Ellen Coghlan. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Cabonargi was Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and thirty-four indigenous tribal nations. From 2011 to 2022 he served as a commissioner on the Cook County Board of Review.
Judge Cabonargi’s present assignment is in the Traffic Division at the Daley Center. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Michael Cabonargi qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Posts
All Comments
