Organizing the Data: Countywide Cobbs vacancy

Updated 3/5/26
Updated 3/9/26
Updated 3/13/26

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 Maria Toledo - #133

Candidate Website

Luz Maria Toledo: In her own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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:

Luz Maria Toledo was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2006. She has worked with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2007. She is currently assigned to the Civil Actions Bureau, Real estate litigation practice, where she handles real estate tax matters. Prior to that, she spent over 10 years in the criminal division, where she prosecuted traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases.

Ms. Toledo received high marks from all who were interviewed. She has a vast amount of trial experience in both criminal and civil matters and is considered to have good legal ability and knowledge. She is reported to have “outstanding character,” to treat everyone fairly and impartially, and to have a good disposition.

The Council finds Ms. Toledo Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: 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

Endorsements

Cook County Democratic Party
Chicago Federation of Labor
AMVOTE PAC
IUOE Local 399
IBEW Local 134
Plumbers Local 130 UA
Chicago Laborers District Council (LiUNA!)

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Linda Sackey - #134

Candidate Website


Linda Sackey: In her own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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:

(This evaluation was prepared before Judge Sackey was appointed to the bench. - Ed.) Linda Sackey was admitted to practice in 2006. Ms. Sackey has served as a judicial law clerk for Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, since 2019. She served from 2013 to 2018 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Appeals Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, from 2008-2013 as an associate with a law firm, and from 2006-2008 as a staff law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Linda Sackey has exceptional legal ability and knowledge. She is praised for her writing ability and for her integrity, and is reported to have a good temperament. She has substantial appellate litigation experience.

The Council finds her Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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.

Other Bar Association Evaluations

Arab American Bar Association: Recommended

Asian American Bar Association: 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): Not Recommended

Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended

Endorsements

Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide
United Hellenic Voters of America

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