Organizing the Data: Countywide Coghlan vacancy

Updated 3/4/26
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.

Ashonta C. Rice - #135

Candidate Website

Ashonta C. Rice: In her own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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's list of evaluation narratives does not include a narrative for this candidate, but FWIW can confirm that the Council gave a Qualified rating to this candidate. - Ed.)

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.

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

Endorsement

Girl, I Guess Progressive Voters Guide

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Michael Cabonargi - #136

Candidate Website

Michael Cabonargi: In his own words

Bar Association Evaluation Narratives

The Chicago Bar Association says:

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:

(This evaluation was prepared before Judge Cabonargi was appointed to the bench. - Ed.) Michael Mario Carbonargi was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2001. He is currently Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and brings extensive legal experience from the SEC, Cook County Board of Review, and ARDC hearing board.

Mr. Carbonargi received unanimous praise for his intelligence, ethics, and fairness.

The Council finds him Well Qualified for the Circuit Court.

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^* Since this rating was finalized, some additional information has come to light that has been summarized on the Injustice Watch website, at https://2026primary.injusticewatch.org/candidate/michael-cabonargi-34872 and was not covered in our prior investigation. Because we have not had an opportunity to investigate further and there is not sufficient time to do so or to provide due process to the candidate, our rating remains the same.

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.

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: Highly 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
United Hellenic Voters of America
IUOE Local 399
IBEW Local 134
Chicago FOP John Dineen Lodge No. 7
Plumbers Local 130 UA
IUOE Local 150
Chicago Laborers District Council (LiUNA!)

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