Michael Cabonargi: In his own words

Michael Cabonargi is a candidate for the countywide Coghlan vacancy. His punch number is 136.

I am honored to serve as a Circuit Court Judge following my nomination by Justice Joy Cunningham and the unanimous approval of the Illinois State Supreme Court. All 13 bar associations that evaluated my candidacy rated me Qualified, Highly Qualified or Recommended. I am also honored to be endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party, the Chicago Federation of Labor, Citizen Action Illinois, and AMVotePAC, among other organizations.

Now I am asking voters to keep me on the bench.

I am a first-generation Italian American from Highwood, Illinois. My 18 year old father came here from Italy and my mother was born on an Iowa farm. I'm the first in my family to attend law school. Working since I was 15 and growing up with immigrant values and empathy taught me that systems should serve people, not create barriers, and that everyone deserves a fair chance.

My background shaped my commitment to accessible justice. I understand what it means to navigate unfamiliar systems without connections or resources. Early in my career, I clerked for U.S. District Court Judge William Hibbler, where I witnessed how the legal system impacts everyday people. This inspired me to create the Judge Hibbler Memorial Pro Se Assistance Program Help Desk in Illinois’ Northern District---the first of its kind—earning me the Federal Bar Association's Award for Excellence in Public Service.

Throughout my career, from prosecuting financial fraud at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to leading the Cook County Board of Review (BOR), I've fought for those who systems often overlook. At the BOR, I transformed a 100% paper based, English-only agency into a multilingual digital system, holding over 250 community outreaches, reaching more than 1.5 million residents. As Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Joe Biden, I proudly worked with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on expanding access to high quality health care for more new Americans and fought drug companies to lower the cost of the most prescribed and expensive drugs.

As a sitting Circuit Court Judge, I experience daily the profound responsibility of judicial power. Every decision I make impacts families' lives, homes, and futures, and I approach each case with deep awareness of that weight. I confront systemic inequity through deliberate action in my courtroom, including ensuring robust language access and clear explanations for self-represented litigants. I also exercise discretion in granting fee waivers and payment plans, recognizing that court costs can be barriers to justice.

I understand that neutrality isn't enough when the system itself is biased. My commitment to equal justice guided my career before the bench and continues to guide every decision I make now. Judges must actively work to ensure fair treatment for those whom the system has historically marginalized.

I believe in the power of the law to create a fair and equitable society for all. As a judge, I'm committed to upholding the rule of law with integrity and impartiality. I strive to ensure that everyone who comes before the court is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances, understanding that people often come to court facing difficult situations. It's crucial for the court to meet people where they are, but not leave them there.

I'm ready to continue to serve the people of Cook County with dedication and a commitment to fairness for all. I am honored by this incredible opportunity and ask for your vote on March 17.