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 - #143
Candidate Website
Amari Dawson: In her own words
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Black Men Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Not Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
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Bianca B. Brown - #144
Candidate Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Recommended
Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Black Men Lawyers' Association: Qualified
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified
Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended
Endorsement
Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide
------------------------------------------------------André Thapedi
No Candidate Website Known
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
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.
Other Bar Association Evaluations
Arab American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Asian American Bar Association: Not Recommended
Black Men Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Black Women Lawyers' Association: Not Recommended
Cook County Bar Association: Not Recommended
Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Not Recommended
Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association (LAGBAC): Not Recommended
Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Not Recommended
Endorsements
Chicago Federation of Labor
AMVOTE PAC
IBEW Local 134
------------------------------------------------------AMVOTE PAC
IBEW Local 134
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