Ginger Odom: In her own words

Ginger Odom is a candidate for the Walker vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit. Her punch number is 144.

First, I want to thank Mr. Leyhane for this blog on the judiciary. It has been and continues to be an invaluable resource for judges and judicial hopefuls.

I am Judge Ginger Odom. I am running to keep my place as judge in the Carl Walker vacancy in the 1st judicial subcircuit. I have lived in the 8th Ward on Chicago’s South Side for the past 20+ years. In June 2025, I was appointed by Justice Joy Cunningham of the Illinois Supreme Court, and unanimously approved by all the Illinois Supreme Court Justices. I have positive bar ratings from all the bar associations. I am the only candidate in my race with judicial experience. I have been endorsed by the Girl, I Guess and A City That Works voters guides, and by Personal PAC, and AMVOTE PAC (thus far).

My path as an attorney and to the bench was a non-traditional one. I was the first lawyer in my family, and the first to attend graduate school. I came to law school late, a single unmarried mother of a four-year-old child. Law school turned that passion for advocacy into a new direction: criminal defense. I found criminal defense to be inextricably intertwined with issues of social justice, matters which are very much present in my own personal lived experiences in a blended, multi-racial family.

With no family ties to the legal world and no local connections to guide the way, I entered the profession as an underdog—relying on grit, faith, and mentors who saw potential before I fully saw it in myself. My appellate advocacy and expungement work did not offer a clear roadmap to the bench; they reflect my deep commitment to public service and the belief that hard work can carve a path where none seems to exist. Being appointed by Justice Joy Cunningham was a profoundly humbling affirmation that even those who start on the margins—working mothers, outsiders, dreamers—belong in positions of leadership. I carry that perspective with me every day, hopeful that my journey expands what others believe is possible.

In my personal and professional lives, I have seen how people are treated differently, depending on their race, gender, gender identity or where they live, what language they speak, or what resources they have. These contrasts shaped the lawyer I became, and the judge I am: attentive to the stories behind every case, patient with people who may not trust the system, and committed to decisions rooted in both principle and compassion. As a judge, those values guide me in treating every litigant with dignity and ensuring that the courtroom remains a place where people are genuinely heard.

Prior to being appointed as a judge, I served for 22 years as an assistant appellate defender with the Office of the State Appellate Defender. My clients were indigent and had already been convicted in the trial court. I argued their appeals in the appellate and supreme courts, raising challenges ranging from actual innocence and wrongful conviction to 4th amendment violations, and any manner of trial court error.

In 2020, I was named the Director of the Expungement Unit for the Office of the State Appellate Defender. In this role, I was a statewide resource for information about record-clearing in Illinois. I helped to create easy-to-use materials for people to clear their records without an attorney, and I trained attorneys in the procedures to eliminate criminal records. I developed expungement web pages, accessed by more than 90,000 people annually. I partnered with the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide training to inmates at every prison across Illinois, twice a year, to make certain that every single person released from incarceration received information about addressing their criminal record at the time of their release from custody.

In addition to these professional experiences, I have served as adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law for the past ten years, teaching Advanced Criminal Procedure and mentoring future attorneys. There I emphasize legal analysis, professional responsibility and ethics. And I ground the doctrinal lessons in American historical events, such as the Civil Rights movement, to contextualize the legal analysis. Teaching has sharpened my ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and deepened my commitment to fostering integrity within the legal profession.

My background in public defense and expungement work gave me an unfiltered view of how the justice system affects individuals, families, and communities. I know that the courtroom decisions are not theoretical— judges determine whether someone keeps a job, a home, or the trust of their community. Teaching law cultivates deep knowledge, disciplined reasoning, clear communication, and judicial temperament — all hallmarks of a strong and thoughtful judge. Since taking the bench, I have carried these experiences with me. As a judge, I prepare thoroughly, apply the law faithfully, and strive to issue rulings that are clear, well-reasoned and grounded in precedent. I manage a busy courtroom efficiently while ensuring that every person who appears before me is treated with dignity and respect. My background as an advocate, administrator and educator has strengthened my ability to remain fair-minded, patient and decisive.

My legal career instilled in me a disciplined understanding of judicial power: that it must always be grounded in the law, guided by compassion, and used to strengthen the legitimacy of the system for everyone who stands before it. For me, judging is an act of stewardship. I am committed to continuing to use my position and voice for equity and fairness.

Again, I am Judge Ginger Odom. I am running to keep my place as judge in the 1st subcircuit, Carl Walker vacancy. Punch #144.

Ashonta C. Rice: In her own words

Ashonta C. Rice is a candidate for the countywide Coghlan vacancy. Her punch number is 135.

I am the child of high school sweethearts and grew up in the far south suburb of Chicago Heights in a faith community. As a result, I have been called upon as a trusted person to consult on a myriad of legal issues in our court system. I have served in my faith community's legal clinic, reviewing, explaining and preparing pro se documents to those that could not afford an attorney, and also with the broader community preparing expungement applications and orders for returning citizens.

I understand that litigants' families are greatly affected by the decisions made in our justice system. Litigants' families are concerned about paying judgments that are entered, and also the potential legal ramifications in the event a litigant becomes delinquent on that judgment. I understand the impact to a child when, even for his/her own safety, their relationship with their parents is limited in some capacity, and how it impacts that child’s sense of self and the ability to overcome personal obstacles. I understand the social and economic loss to a family when a parent is sentenced to a term of incarceration after having been found guilty of a crime.

Our justice system is affecting not only the life of the individual standing before the court, but also those persons who are either invested in or depending upon the potential of that litigant to directly affect the outcome of their own life. Therefore, I understand that nothing done in the court system is to be taken lightly and true justice should be delivered in every matter before the court.

As a member of Illinois bar, I am presently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and serve on its Board of Governors, Assembly for the Cook Circuit, and as board liaison for the Administrative Law Section Council, Child Law Section Council and Elder Law Section Counsel. I am a member of the Black Women Lawyer's Association of Greater Chicago (BWLA), the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA) and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI).

As a community member, I am presently a member of the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs and have previously served as Recording Secretary, Parliamentarian, Legislative chairperson, Mentoring Committee chairperson and Ways and Means Committee chairperson.

I have also served on the executive board of the South Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a national organization of mothers seeking to provide, social, cultural, educational for our youth, and in its Jack and Jill Foundation philanthropic arm whose mission is to address issues facing African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. Our community service tasks invest in transforming communities "one child at a time" through activities partnered with organizations such as the Souper Bowl of Caring, March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Cook County voters should elect me to the Circuit Court of Cook County as a result of my twenty-one years of individual law practice litigation experience before our circuit court. As a result, I've gained insight into how the public views the judiciary, and I believe that what litigants desire in a court of law is the opportunity to receive a fair hearing regardless of color, gender, age, nationality, or sexual orientation. My clients have been those persons anxious to ensure that their position would be "heard" when appearing before the court, therefore I understand what it means to a person standing before a bench, not knowing how their future will be affecting from a ruling issued by someone they have never seen or heard speak before. Respect is what they are seeking, and what I plan to give in one hand as I administer justice from the other.

Ashonta C. Rice

Natalia Moore: In her own words

Natalia Moore is a candidate for the Brooks vacancy in the 17th Subcircuit. Her punch number is 141.

This election is about qualifications - not slogans.

I am the only candidate for Judge in my race who has over a decade of legal experience in the state of Illinois. I am the only candidate for Judge in my race who has litigated both criminal and civil court cases. My legal experience expands to real estate law, wills, estates, landlord-tenant disputes, contracts, personal injury, family law, and much more. I have stood in court representing the best interest of children, families in crisis and people facing life-altering decisions.

Judges must be prepared to handle every type of case that comes before them. That requires more than compassion, it requires real courtroom experience, judgment built through practice, and a record of consistent service.

My career reflects that preparation. I have served with integrity, stability, and dedication to justice.

Being the daughter of a mother who is a devout Christian, a father who was a Vietnam Veteran who put his life on the line fighting in infantry along with traveling alongside Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, on the civil rights path since grammar school has taught me to stand for what is right and always strive to be better today than yesterday. My dad’s philosophy was to be the best or die trying.

In holding to this philosophy, I have always put my best foot forward. I have never been fired from a job and have never been asked to resign. I have never had a lawsuit filed against me for any wrong doings.

I’m running on principles of integrity, equality and respect. These are the principles that I will bring with me to the bench as the next Cook County Judge once elected, because every person who enters a courtroom deserves a judge who understands the full scope of the law.

That’s me, Natalia Moore (punch 141).

Natalia4judge.com

Linda Sackey: In her own words

Linda Sackey is a candidate for the countywide Cobbs vacancy. Her punch number is 134.

Being sworn in as a Cook County circuit judge in January 2025 was an extraordinary experience. I was surrounded by family and friends from various stages of my life as I took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and to faithfully execute my duties to the best of my ability.

I often think about that oath, and my commitment to uphold it is stronger than ever. For me, serving as a judge has never been about prestige, salary, or title. What truly matters is the work: ensuring that every person who enters my courtroom is treated with dignity, that every case is evaluated on its merits, and that justice is delivered fairly and impartially.

Over the past year on the bench, I have demonstrated the legal expertise, temperament, and work ethic required to serve the people of Cook County with integrity. I am running to continue that service, and I ask for your vote so that I can keep doing this important work.

Linda Sackey, punch no. 134, Cobbs vacancy.

Amari Dawson: In her own words

Amari Dawson is a candidate for the Carroll vacancy in the 17th Subcircuit. Her punch number is 143.

Greetings. My name is Amari Dawson, and I am seeking to be elected as judge to fill the vacancy of the Honorable James R. Carroll in the 17th Judicial Subcircuit of Cook County, Illinois.

As a youth I watched my parents fight for civil rights. I therefore knew at an incredibly early age that I would become an attorney and one day a judge. My desire to fight for the rights of others grew after I witnessed the murder of someone very dear to me. It intensified when I was subsequently arrested, in a separate matter, and personally confronted with the flaws within the criminal justice system.

Overcoming the challenges that I faced as an adolescent mother who had been traumatized by violence and having faced losing my liberty and freedom, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1999 from Rust College, in Holly Springs, Mississippi and obtained my Juris Doctor in 2004, from the University of Mississippi School of Law in Oxford, Mississippi. After law school I continued my education by obtaining a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Non-Profit Management at the Kellogg School of Management in 2007 in Evanston, Illinois. I am authorized to practice law by both the Supreme Court of Illinois and the United States Supreme Court. I have multiple certifications in restorative justice practices, including victim and offender mediation.

While in college I helped those who faced housing discrimination and those who filed for bankruptcy. Before attending law school, I worked as a Public Administration Intern for the Office of the Governor in Illinois. I also worked as a parole agent and helped both youth and adults reenter into society. I received a commendation from the Department of Corrections for my work in helping to capture a fugitive. After law school, I worked as a director at a community-based organization in Englewood where I created jobs and life skills programs for at-risk youth. I am currently employed as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, Illinois, where I have represented and served the People of the State of Illinois for over 18 years. As an Assistant State’s Attorney, I have prosecuted crimes as minor as traffic tickets and as serious as murder. I have worked in domestic violence courtrooms and a courtroom that oversaw expungements. I have served as an advisor and supervisor to other attorneys. I currently work in the Criminal Appeals division where I analyze the outcomes of the trial courts, making sure that the proper procedures and laws were followed before an adverse judgment was rendered. I previously served as President for the local chapter of the National Black Prosecutors Association.

I have volunteered at entities such as the Mississippi Literacy Council, Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers, Woodlawn Community Food Pantry, Primo Center for Women and Children, and Operation Care.

Justice belongs to all and not a chosen few. Additionally, it should be swift, accessible, delivered with compassion and rooted in respect. We need judges who not only know the law but understand the social issues within vulnerable and underserved communities, have an intricate understanding of the court and the penal systems, and will administer justice in a fair and equitable manner. My candidacy addresses those needs. In other words, I am C.U.T. out for this position. I am Compassionate. I will deliver my rulings in an Unbiased manner. I am Trained.

I am a resident of the 17th subcircuit. I have been a south suburban resident for over 16 years and lived in Roseland before that. The 17th Subcircuit encompasses the 7th and 10th wards in Chicago, which are located on the southeast side, and over twenty of the south suburbs. The suburban areas included in the subcircuit are Burnham, Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Markham, Sauk Village, South Chicago Heights, South Holland, Steger, and Thornton.

IF FAIRNESS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE, VOTE FOR ME, PUNCH #143.

Luz Maria Toledo: In her own words

Luz Maria Toledo is a candidate for the countywide Cobbs vacancy. Her punch number is 133.

Hello, my name is Luz Maria Toledo (Ballot #133) and I am running countywide for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. I am the only candidate in my race that has nearly 20 years of hands-on courtroom experience in both criminal and civil law and has been found qualified or recommended by all 14 bar associations. I would be honored to earn your vote.

Thank you, Jack Leyhane, for this opportunity to address voters directly, and thank you to the voters for taking the time to learn more about me.

I was born and raised in the South Side of Chicago in McKinley Park and West Lawn. I was educated through the Chicago Public School system, graduated from Bogan High School, then earned my accounting degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned my law degree from The John Marshall Law School in 2006. I put myself through law school with the help of student loans and became the first lawyer in my family.

I am the proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico who instilled in my four siblings and me the importance of education, hard work, and service to others. Because of my parents’ sacrifices and encouragement, I am living the American dream. I seek to honor them by serving as a judge who brings fairness, equity and true justice to every decision.

I have dedicated my 20-year legal career to public service and seek to continue that service on the bench, where I can have a greater impact. I began my legal career working for then-Lt. Governor Pat Quinn as a policy advisor and Spanish-speaking media specialist.

Nineteen years ago, I joined the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State's Attorney, where I advocated on behalf of the people of Cook County. I began in the Appeals Division, researching and writing more than 20 appellate briefs filed in the First District Appellate Court. I then spent over 11 years in high-volume criminal trial courtrooms, prosecuting a wide range of cases and serving as the voice for victims of murder, attempted murder, domestic violence, and sexual offenses.

I have worked in courthouses across Cook County, including 26th street, Bridgeview, and Markham and various city branch courts. I have handled cases at every procedural stage – from bond hearings and preliminary hearings to grand jury proceedings, indictments, pre-trial motions, post-trial motions, misdemeanor and felony trials, and sentencing hearings. I have tried hundreds of bench trials and nearly 30 jury trials. Appearing before judges of varied backgrounds and experience has allowed me to observe firsthand what makes a thoughtful, effective, and fair jurist.

My professional and personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the profound impact the justice system has on victims, defendants, and our community. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated empathy and compassion while maintaining accountability. I have made reasonable sentencing recommendations, supported alternative sentencing courts such as Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, and amended charges when appropriate to allow eligible defendants the opportunity for expungable probation. I will bring that same balance of accountability and compassion to the bench.

Since 2018, I have practiced civil defense in real estate tax matters. In my most recent trial, I saved Cook County taxpayers more than $1 million by successfully preventing a real estate investor from profiting from a tax sale error. I have also handled civil appeals.

For nearly two decades, I have made decisions grounded in facts and the law while managing large and complex caseloads. My experience has prepared me well to serve on the bench, and I am ready to bring qualified, fair, and thoughtful representation to the judiciary.

I am endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party and was slated to fill the open vacancy of Justice Cynthia V. Cobbs. I am also endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor, Personal PAC, Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, Am Vote PAC, and the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, among others.

Community service has always been central to my life. I have volunteered as a tutor, prepared income tax returns for low-income families, spoken to students from diverse backgrounds about careers in law, mentored young attorneys, assisted with food drives, volunteered with Women Everywhere and Lawyers in the Classroom at Richardson Elementary, participated in the Chicago Emerging Stars Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway, and since 2008 have grown and donate my hair to organizations that provide wigs for cancer patients.

I believe deeply in the rule of law – in applying the law impartially, without prejudice or bias, and with empathy and compassion.

I respectfully ask for your vote for Luz Maria Toledo for Judge, #133.

Thank you,

Luz Maria Toledo

Meridth Hammer: In her own words

Meridth Hammer is a candidate for the Brooks vacancy in the 17th Subcircuit. Her punch number is 142.

My name is Meridth Hammer, and I'm running for Judge in Cook County's 17th Subcircuit for the Honorable Lloyd J. Brooks vacancy.

For nearly 25 years, I've stood beside people during some of the hardest moments of their lives—when a loved one passes and the family is overwhelmed, when a parent is declining and difficult decisions must be made, when a job is lost and foreclosure threatens the roof over a family's head. I know what's at stake when people walk into a courtroom: their safety, their stability, their dignity, and sometimes their future. That's why I'm running—to bring experience, compassion, and steady, independent judgment to the bench.

I'm licensed to practice law in Illinois, Indiana, and the District of Columbia. I'm the CEO of The Hammer Legal Group, and my practice includes probate, trust and estate planning, foreclosure defense, commercial litigation, and labor and employment law. I've helped individuals and small business owners resolve disputes—not just through litigation, but more often by finding common ground through negotiation, mediation, and settlement. Because the best outcome isn't always a "win"—it's a fair resolution that lets people move forward.

Public service has been at the heart of my career. I've served as legal counsel to the last three Clerks of the Circuit Court, working to expand access to Cook County's courts and to make our courts easier for everyday people to navigate. I also served as Supervising Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, managing 12 Administrative Law Judges and ensuring cases were handled with consistency, fairness, and respect.

In 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed me to the ARDC Hearing Board, and I've been reappointed each year since. In that volunteer role, we hold attorneys accountable to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct—because integrity isn't just a value I talk about; it's a standard I must live by, especially in the justice system.

My perspective is also shaped by my education and professional range. I earned my undergraduate degree from Purdue University in Computer Science and Software Development, which helped prepare me to serve as a lead negotiator for Computer Associates, a $4 billion software company. I understand how systems work—and how to improve them—so they serve people better.

I currently serve as legal counsel to the Coalition of African American Leaders (COAL). I'm a past board member of IMANI Community Development Corporation and former State Chair of Independent Voters of Illinois–Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO). I've led estate-planning workshops across Cook County, served as a panelist on former County Clerk Karen Yarbrough's Property After Death seminars, and volunteered with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services through the Probate Court Assistance Program—because people shouldn't need wealth or connections to get help and be heard.

I believe our courts have a duty to meet the needs of the community. Now more than ever, we need judges who are qualified and experienced, but also compassionate - judges with integrity who will make decisions based on the law and the facts, not outside pressure. Our courts serve the most vulnerable among us: abused children, survivors of domestic violence, people living with mental illness, families facing addiction, seniors with dementia who can no longer care for themselves, and young people caught up in the system. These aren't case numbers. These are human beings—and they deserve a court that treats them that way.

My platform is Access to Justice Reform. The COVID-19 pandemic forced our courts to adapt, and it proved something important: we can do better. We can use technology to make justice more accessible—through expanded remote proceedings when appropriate (especially in probate), and by fully leveraging the Odyssey case management system to help judges and staff manage thousands of cases more efficiently in the nation's second-largest court system. That means less waiting, less confusion, and less cost for families and taxpayers.

I've also worked toward criminal justice reform. As counsel to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, I worked with court partners to help hundreds of people expunge eligible records so they could get a real second chance—access to good jobs, better housing, and services that can change lives. I've participated in Restorative Justice Courts and Peace Circles, which focus on accountability, healing, and repairing harm—because we can be firm, fair, and still believe in redemption.

Judges serve the people. If you elect me as Judge in the 17th Subcircuit, I will work tirelessly—every day—to serve the people of Cook County with fairness, respect, and independence.

I'm Meridth Hammer, candidate for Judge in the 17th Subcircuit. My punch number is 142. Remember: It's Hammer Time!

I’m proud to be endorsed by the following:

• Chicago Federation of Labor
• Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore (4th District)
• Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (6th District)
• Alderman Greg Mitchell (Chicago 7th Ward)
• Mayor Robert Polk (Burnham)
• Mayor James Ford (Country Club Hills)
• Mayor Jason House (Dolton)
• Mayor Jada Curry (Lynwood)
• Mayor Roger Agpawa (Markham)
• Mayor Terry Wells (Phoenix)
• Mayor Darren Bryant (Robbins)
• Vernard Alsberry (Bremen Township Committeeman)
• Senator Elgie Sims (17th District)
• State Representative Marcus Evans (33rd District)
• Alderwoman Monet S. Wilson (Calumet City 2nd Ward)
• Alderman Ramonde D. Williams (Calumet City 4th Ward)

Jarrett Knox: In his own words

Jarrett Knox is a candidate for the Meyerson vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit. His punch number is 141.

I am Jarrett Knox, and I am running for judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, 11th Subcircuit. For nearly 18 years, I have been a public servant in the courtroom, working on behalf of survivors of domestic violence, senior citizens, and children who have been abused or neglected. I currently work for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where I prosecute civil petitions filed on behalf of abused, neglected, or dependent children. Before joining the State’s Attorney’s Office I worked from 2011-2018 for the Cook County Office of the Public Guardian where I represented children involved in the child welfare system as both attorney and guardian ad litem.

My commitment to child welfare extends beyond my professional work. My wife and I have been licensed foster parents with Hephzibah Children’s Association for over 15 years, opening our home to children in and around Cook County for varying lengths of time, depending on need.

I am deeply committed to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Right out of law school, I worked as an Equal Justice Works Fellow with the Legal Aid Society, where I worked on a Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse project, representing survivors in obtaining civil orders of protection, filing for divorce, and litigating eviction proceedings. I went on to work for another legal aid organization in Chicago before my long career in child welfare.

I bring extensive courtroom experience to this race as a legal aid attorney, Assistant Public Guardian, and Assistant State’s Attorney. Beyond my experience as an advocate in the courtroom, I served as a Supervising Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Human Services from 2018-2019, where I presided over hearings involving administration of public benefits, like SNAP and Long Term Care. I have been found Qualified or Recommended by all of the evaluating bar associations, and I am honored to be supported in this race by the Cook County Democratic Party, Senate President Don Harmon, and Democratic organizations across the subcircuit. I’m also honored to be endorsed by organizations like Personal PAC.

My commitment to service in Cook County extends beyond the courtroom. I have volunteered for over a decade in the Chicago Bar Association’s Lawyers in the Classroom program, helping elementary and middle school students better understand the U.S. Constitution and its impact on their everyday lives. I am also active in my community, volunteering with a hunger relief program in Oak Park and coaching kids’ sports teams.

I am seeking to serve as a judge because my career has been dedicated to helping children, families, and individuals at some of the most challenging moments in their lives. As both a courtroom attorney and as a foster parent, I have seen firsthand the importance of judges who approach each case with fairness, patience, and a deep understanding of the law’s impact on real people. Those experiences in court have reinforced for me that decisions made in the courtroom aren’t just legal but are profoundly human, with lifelong consequences. I want to bring my experience, my commitment to fairness, and my compassion to the bench to ensure that every child, family, and litigant who comes to court is treated with dignity, heard fully, and given a fair and thoughtful decision.

I ask for your vote on March 17 (punch #141) for judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. My career has been devoted to public service, protecting vulnerable families, and upholding the rule of law with fairness and integrity. I will bring experience, compassion, and impartiality to the bench, and I would be honored to serve the people of Cook County.

Radiance Ward: In her own words

Radiance Ward is a candidate for the Balanoff vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit. Her punch number is 141.

My name is Radiance Ward and I am running for Judge in the 1st Judicial Subcircuit of the Circuit Court of Cook County and am seeking to fill the Balanoff vacancy.

I have been a trial attorney for 18 years. That’s what I do. But, I want to lead with who I am. I am a first-generation attorney from the South Side of Chicago. I am the daughter of a single mom, who worked incredibly hard, as a now-retired nurse, to ensure I had everything I needed to succeed. I come from a large family, so I never felt like an only child. My grandparents had 9 children, so I have over 30 first cousins, several of whom I grew up spending many a night and weekend with at my grandparents’ house on 93rd and Ada. I am a very proud product of Chicago Public Schools, an alum of McDade Classical School in Chatham and Kenwood Academy in Hyde Park. After graduating from Kenwood, a scholarship led me to Nashville, TN where I attended and graduated from Vanderbilt University. I enjoyed my years south of the Mason Dixon, but right after college, I came home to pursue my dreams of becoming an attorney. As a result, in 2007, I became the first person in my family to earn a graduate degree when I graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

From the start, my career has been dedicated to public service, in both the nonprofit and government sectors. Upon graduating from law school, I landed a position at at LifeSpan, a nonprofit which provides family law representation for survivors of domestic violence. There, I represented survivors in order of protection hearings, divorce matters, and child custody hearings. This fueled my passion for standing beside individuals during their most vulnerable moments and being the voice and advocate they deserved as they navigated the, often-intimidating, legal system.

After LifeSpan, I pivoted to the Office of the Chief Judge in the Mortgage Foreclosure section of the Chancery Division. During the height of the recession, I helped homeowners going through foreclosure proceedings navigate the court process with the hopes of retaining ownership of their homes.

After my tenure in that department, I moved to my current professional home, the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender where I have served for the past 13 years. Currently, I am an Assistant Public Defender on the homicide task force. Over the course of my years in the office, however, I have served as lead counsel on cases ranging from misdemeanor to juvenile delinquency and general felonies. Just like my role at LifeSpan, it has been such a weighty, but fulfilling privilege to represent those most vulnerable among us.

In addition to my role at the public defender’s office, I have been an adjunct professor of law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law since 2013, teaching Intensive Trial Practice and coaching in the mock trial program.

As a true South Sider, my heart is forever nestled in the communities and people who make up where I am from. Outside of my professional endeavors, I am passionate about using my time, skills, and resources for the betterment of our community. I am a board member of InspireHer Chicago, a South Side-based mentoring program for inner-city teen girls whose mission is to empower the next generation of bold, brilliant young women. In addition, I annually volunteer for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which collects Christmas gifts for children with incarcerated parents.

I have been a member of AFSCME - Local 3315 for the past 13 years, serving on the executive board for the last 3 years. There, I have fought for the rights of my union brothers and sisters in the bargaining room just as I fight for the rights of my clients in the courtroom. I am also a very proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where service and social action are at the heart of our initiatives and programming.

I am running for judge to deepen my commitment of service in Chicago, the city that raised me. In my nearly two decades of public service through law, if I’ve learned nothing else, I’ve learned that a case is more than just a collection of facts. Every single case involves actual people whose lives will be incredibly impacted by their experience at the two tables across from the bench and in the gallery of loved ones behind them. I know, first hand, how much fair and compassionate judges can influence that impact. I am running to be the judge who administers the law as fair, soundly, and compassionately as possible. Remember me, Radiance Ward, this Election Day, March 17, 2026. Punch 141!

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.

Ashley Greer Shambley: In her own words

Ashley Greer Shambley is a candidate for the Walker vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit. Her punch number is 143.

Hello, my name is Ashley Greer Shambley, and I am running for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County in the First Judicial Subcircuit, seeking election to fill the Carl A. Walker vacancy.

I am running for judge because I care deeply about the people and communities our courts serve. I believe the justice system functions best when judges bring experience, fairness, and humanity to the bench. Courtroom decisions do not happen in isolation. They have real and lasting effects on families, neighborhoods, and the broader community. Courts should be places where the law is applied fairly, people are treated with dignity, and public trust is strengthened.

For more than fifteen years, I have practiced law in Cook County, spending the majority of my career as a public servant. I currently serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Multiple Defendant Homicide Task Force Unit, where I have acted as lead trial attorney on a wide range of complex, high-stakes cases. These cases demand exhaustive preparation, mastery of the law and evidence, and the ability to make sound decisions under intense pressure.

Serving as lead counsel carries an enormous responsibility. Every strategic decision, from motions practice to jury selection, from witness examination to closing argument, can determine the outcome of a case and profoundly affect the lives of everyone involved. I have spent countless hours reviewing evidence, litigating difficult legal issues, and standing beside clients at the most vulnerable moments of their lives, fully aware that their liberty, their families, and their futures were in my hands. That responsibility has shaped my judgment, my discipline, and my respect for the power of the courtroom.

At the beginning of my legal career, I worked as an associate in the Law Offices of John F. Lyke, where I gained early exposure to courtroom practice and the importance of preparation and professionalism. I also spent time in the Civil Division of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, assigned to Child Protection matters, which reinforced the reality that judicial decisions can alter the course of families and children’s lives. While my practice has been largely trial-focused, these experiences broadened my understanding of the courts’ reach into everyday life.

As a public defender, I have had the privilege and responsibility of working with people at nearly every stage of life. I have represented young people just beginning to understand the legal system, parents trying to hold their families together, and older adults navigating some of the most difficult moments they will ever face. Meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and understanding their circumstances has taught me how to engage with individuals on a meaningful level. This experience has deepened my empathy, strengthened my communication, and reinforced the importance of treating every person in the courtroom with patience and respect. These are qualities I believe are essential on the bench.

My passion for this work is rooted not only in professional experience, but also in personal history. In 2005, while visiting family on the South Side of Chicago, I witnessed a police raid that left a lasting impact on me. Officers entered the home by force, used racial slurs, pointed firearms at unarmed occupants, and severely beat a family member who was later hospitalized and charged. I was required to testify in court, where I was told that people from my community often do not appear because they are assumed to be criminals. At the time, I was an honor roll student at Howard University.

I returned to campus profoundly changed by that experience. If this could happen to me, with access to education, opportunity, and support, I questioned what was happening to others in my community who did not have the same chances or protections. That realization led me to change my academic path and commit myself to criminal defense work, grounded in dignity, due process, and the fair application of the law. That decision has guided my career ever since.

I am the first person in my family to attend college, let alone law school, and I carry that responsibility with pride. I am a graduate of Howard University and DePaul University College of Law, institutions that instilled in me a deep sense of service and accountability. I am also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an organization rooted in scholarship, leadership, and service.

My commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom. I previously served as General Counsel for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. I currently serve as a board member of AFSCME Local 3315 and have been a union steward for more than thirteen years, advocating for fairness, accountability, and respectful resolution of disputes. I also serve as a board member of Imagine Englewood If, an organization dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunity.

Within the legal profession, I am deeply engaged in mentorship and leadership. I am a long-time member and current Co-Chair of the Government Lawyers Section of the Cook County Bar Association, a member of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association, and a member of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I also regularly train other attorneys on jury selection, the effective use of technology in trial practice, and the strategic use of expert witnesses. Teaching and mentoring others has reinforced the importance of preparation, clarity, and ethical advocacy.

I am also deeply invested in community education. I regularly teach Know Your Rights programs to youth, adults, and seniors because I believe knowledge promotes safety and trust. When people understand their rights and how the courts function, interactions with the justice system are more measured and less likely to escalate.

Throughout my career as a public defender, I have seen firsthand how courtroom decisions ripple outward, affecting not only the individual before the court, but their families, their children, and entire neighborhoods. As a public defender and a lifelong South Side resident, I have seen the lasting effects of court decisions up close and personal and how they shape families, neighborhoods, and the long-term stability of our communities. These experiences have reinforced my belief that judicial discretion must be exercised carefully, consistently, and with humility.

My judicial philosophy is grounded in fidelity to the law, respect for precedent, and fairness in application. Judges must decide cases based on the law and the facts presented, without fear or favor. At the same time, judges set the tone for the courtroom. Clear communication, consistency, and respect are essential to maintaining public confidence.

I am seeking this judgeship because I want to bring the skills I have honed as a public defender, including preparation, judgment, and the ability to engage people with empathy and respect, to better serve the community from the bench. I respect the seriousness of the role and the trust placed in judges by the public. If elected, I will approach every case with care, independence, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

I would be honored to earn the trust of the voters of the First Judicial Subcircuit and to serve as a judge who applies the law faithfully, treats every person with dignity, and strengthens the integrity of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Cook County judicial candidates invited to submit statements to FWIW

This post is specifically directed at Cook County judicial candidates in contested races and their campaign advisers.

You are in the home stretch. On the ballot. Counting the days until early voting begins. You have learned, the hard way, that getting one’s message out to voters in a county as large as this one is a herculean challenge. Subcircuits may look a lot smaller on the map, but each covers a lot of ground, as anyone who has ever tried campaigning door-to-door will attest.

By this point in the campaign cycle, the enormity of the task before you has become clear, whatever support you are already privileged to have. Each of you has a day job to keep up with – and, in your spare time, you are still seeking endorsements, filling out questionnaires, and showing up at any event that will have you. You have undoubtedly noticed, at these events, that judicial candidates spend a lot of time seeing... each other. You may be getting around, but you’re not always around likely potential voters; at least you're not always around potential voters you haven’t already met.

I’d like to give you an opportunity to get your message directly to potential voters.

Google says that this website has been viewed over six million times to date; while a lot of those page views come from candidates and their friends and families, as the primary draws ever nearer, this site will be seen by increasing numbers of likely voters. They come here looking for information about judicial candidates for whom they might vote. In other words, they come here looking for you.

What would you like to tell them?

I will print any statement that any Cook County judicial candidate cares to make right here on For What It’s Worth. This is the tenth election cycle in which I’ve extended this invitation. I will print what I get (subject to a couple of ground rules set out below), whether I get two statements or ten. When I put up the Organizing the Data posts shortly before the primary, I will link back to any statements I’ve received, providing voters an additional chance to receive your message directly.

I make this offer because, when I ran for judge in 1994 and 1996, I would have given my right arm to have had such a forum.

Things were different, of course, back then: The Internet was still a largely undiscovered country. I think I was just learning how to use email in those days; I definitely was using an AOL address. But, today, you have the opportunity to reach nearly every single voter in Cook County without leaving your den. You can of course speak to voters directly on your own sites as well, but I am offering you an additional platform, an additional opportunity for voters to find out about you when they start searching the Internet for information about our upcoming judicial elections.

Candidates need only send me an email (that's a link to my email address; there's also a link you can find in the sidebar of this blog) with their essay.

You may be wondering what you should say. I don’t know that there is any “right” answer. You can send me a statement of personal philosophy, the stump speech you’ve always wanted to make, the pitch you’d like to make at every voter’s front door, your ‘closing argument’ to the electorate, or whatever else you think appropriate. You might want to include your punch number.

I’m not going to tell anyone what to say or how to say it.

However, I would suggest, as my mother used to say, that you don’t make your own candle shine brighter by trying to blow out someone else’s. Tell voters why you should be elected, not why your opponent should not be.

I strongly suggest that you put your statement in the first person (be personal, use “I” and “me”) because I will run your statement as your statement, under your byline, by Sally Smith, by John Jones. I know some of you are paying consultants to help you craft your message, and there may be a temptation to simply delegate this task. Resist that temptation. Get feedback from your advisers before you send me anything (especially if you're paying for it anyway), but let your voice come through in your essay. I know writing such an essay won’t be an easy task: As lawyers, we’re used to advocating for a client -- for someone else. It is not as easy to talk about ourselves. But this is an opportunity for you to define yourself, rather than be defined by questionnaire responses.

If I don’t already have your picture, send me a head shot. I’ll run your picture with the post, cropped to a 200 x 200 pixel square. I will not edit candidate statements. I’ll print what you send. (That’s why I need an email, to verify what was sent, and by whom.) To see what other candidate statements have looked like, click on the "In Their Own Words" tag here or at the bottom of this post and start scrolling down. I will only put up one statement per candidate.

I realize some of you already have personal statements posted on your own campaign websites. If you ask me to run a substantially similar statement here, or even the same statement, I will do so. But I will not pull statements from your site to put on my own. If you want me to put your statement here, you have to send me the statement.

I will begin accepting, and posting, candidate essays immediately. Because I will link to them from the Organizing the Data posts, there’s no advantage to delay. And if you do try and wait until the last minute, when I am working on those roundup posts, I may be unable to get your essay posted. So please, if you're interested, send something ASAP.

I do not intend to impose any limit on the statement’s length; however, all of you are presumably familiar with the concept of "tl;dr." For illustration purposes, my word processor advises me that this post is about 1,100 words long.

Steve Demitro: In his own words

Steve Demitro is a candidate for the O'Hara vacancy in the 14th Subcircuit. His punch number is 162.

I am one of nine children born to immigrant parents who did not speak English, yet worked hard to raise their large family.

I started my adult life as a high school dropout. After much work and a few breaks, I completed my GED, finished college, graduated from law school and passed the Illinois Bar.

With the experience I obtained during several diverse positions in my life, with my legal knowledge, and my integrity, honesty and commitment to the rule of law, I believe I would be an asset to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

My diverse background has taught me a great deal about people and their need for a fair and impartial justice.

I will treat all persons who appear before me with dignity, courtesy, and professionalism.

I will strive to make a fair and impartial decision in every case.

Steve Demitro
https://demitro4judge.com

Debjani 'Deb' Desai: In her own words

Debjani 'Deb' Desai is a candidate for the countywide Propes vacancy. Her punch number is 151.

In June of 2023, I was appointed a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County, upon the recommendation of Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, with unanimous approval of the Illinois Supreme Court. I have been found Well-Qualified by the Chicago Council of Lawyers, Highly Qualified by the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, and Qualified or Recommended by all other evaluating bar associations. I am endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party, Personal PAC, the Chicago Federation of Labor, and several other organizations and individuals, not because I have political clout or wealth, but because I am the right person for this very important role.

I have extensive litigation experience in civil and criminal law, and in administrative, state, and federal tribunals. Prior to becoming a judge, I zealously advocated for children, elderly and indigent communities, and people with disabilities, through my work as General Counsel of the Illinois Office of Comptroller, an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. I promoted equal access to the law and equal justice throughout my career. I am a long-standing, committed leader and educator in bar associations, law schools, and the community.

I am the proud daughter of immigrants from India and the first lawyer and judge in my family. Fifty-four years after they immigrated here, they got to vote for their daughter in a public election. Everything I do is to make them and the people of Cook County proud. I am running for judge to bring representation and high qualifications to the judiciary. I believe in the rule of law; in interpreting, analyzing, and applying the law impartially, without prejudice or bias, and with compassion and empathy for those I serve. I am a fair, honest, and knowledgeable judge – and I hope to continue my service to the judiciary and the people of Cook County.

Please visit www.judgedesai.com for more information and remember to vote for Judge Debjani Desai - Punch #151!

Kim Przekota: In her own words

Kim Przekota is a candidate for the Daleo vacancy in the 11th Subcircuit. Her punch number is 163.

My name is Kim Przekota. I am running for judge in Cook County’s 11th judicial subcircuit. I am writing this letter to introduce myself by speaking briefly about my personal life, my professional career/qualifications and my campaign supporters.

Personal life: I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. I attended college and graduate school at Iona College in New York where I was a Division I two-sport athlete. I was one of two Iona students selected to attend Oxford University, where I studied medieval history. After graduating with a bachelor of arts and master of arts in history, I moved to Chicago and attended law school at DePaul University College of Law. I graduated from DePaul and married my college sweetheart, Chris Przekota. We now have three children (ages 8, 6 and 3) and live in Park Ridge. I am active in the community. Most notably, driven by a love of sports, I transitioned from athlete to coach, and I enjoy nothing more than giving back and teaching important life skills to young people as an age-group and high school coach. I have coached for nearly 20 years.

Professional career/qualifications: I am lawyer and a career public servant, with over 15 years of hands-on courtroom experience. As a prosecutor, I advocate on behalf of the people of Cook County. I am currently a “first chair” in a felony courtroom at 26th and California. Over the past two and a half years, I litigated more than 10 murder trials, the majority of which were juries. In that same time frame, I was part of an all-female team of prosecutors that litigated a high-profile triple murder jury (one defendant ended up pleading guilty on the last day of trial and testifying against his two co-defendants) involving the murder of a retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant. It is important to note that I am also a firm believer in problem solving courts, specifically those geared towards helping individuals who struggle with addiction and mental illness.

During the course of my legal career, I worked in various different courthouses across the county, such as 26th Street, Skokie and numerous city branch courts. As a result, I have handled multiple different types of cases in a variety of different procedural stages, such as traffic, domestic violence, misdemeanors and felonies, as well as bond hearings, preliminary hearings, grand jury lock-ins/indictments, pre-trial motions, post-trial motions, and sentencing hearings. I have been fortunate to appear before qualified, experienced and knowledgeable judges, each with their own unique backgrounds and abilities, who provided a wonderful example of what it is to be a great judge. I experienced firsthand the important role judges have on the administration of justice. I recognize the positive impact judges can have on people’s lives when they are not only experienced, hardworking and knowledgeable, but also when they treat people with respect and fairness, and when they rule based on the law and the evidence.

Campaign supporters: I have worked hard and am grateful for all of my campaign support. I am proud to have earned positive bar ratings from all evaluating bar associations. As the endorsed democratic candidate in the race, I have support from notable 11th subcircuit political figures including but not limited to: Senate President Don Harmon, Senators Laura Murphy and Rob Martwick, Aldermen Jim Gardiner and Chris Taliaferro, and Committeepersons Joe Cook, Frank Avino, Jr. and Barrett Pederson. Additionally, I have received endorsements from Personal PAC, the Coalition PAC, the Italian American Political Coalition, Chicago Federation of Labor and individual labor unions including Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2, IBEW Local 134, IUOE Local 399, Plumbers Local 130, Teamsters Local 700, IUEC Local 2 and Ironworkers Local 63, to name a few. And, last but certainly not least, I have the unending and unwavering support of my family, friends and co-workers.

In closing, within the context of my personal life, professional career/qualifications and campaign supporters, my experience, work-ethic and desire to always be fair, make me qualified serve as a judge. What is more, I have a desire to continue to serve the public—to me public service is about working hard and doing the right thing. I have based my entire legal career on those two principles. If win this election, I will continue to serve the public proudly by working hard and doing the right thing from the bench.

Thank you.

Lori Ann Roper: In her own words

Lori Ann Roper is a candidate for the countywide Murphy vacancy. Her punch number is 149.

Dear Voters,

My name is Lori Ann Roper, and I am running for judge countywide in the Murphy Vacancy. Although I’ve now been married to my amazing husband for 6 years, I was a single mom raising my daughter in Chicago.

I was raised by a single mother on the Southside of Chicago and come from a low-income background. My 4 siblings and I grew up in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. When I was 13-years old, my brother Eric, lost his life due to gun violence at 15-years old while coming home from the store. His murder has stayed with me my entire life and inspired me at a young age to pursue law.

In 1988, I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. because of the organization's groundbreaking impact, commitment to public service, and justice which solidified my decision to go to law school in 1990. I was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1994.

I’m currently an Attorney Supervisor in the Felony Trial Division of the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender. During my 29 years with the office, I have litigated various cases from First Degree Murder and Retail Theft to Child Protection. In 2011, I became the supervisor in charge of the Problem-Solving Courts for the Public Defender's Office. These courts include Mental Health, Drug, Veterans, and Restorative Justice.

I decided to become a Public Defender because I genuinely care about people. I know firsthand that what is missing in the courtroom is active listening and empathy. Throughout my career, I’ve treated every case like the first time because each case has its own intricacies which deserve the same enthusiasm and fairness.

As a Black single mother, I know how prejudice and biases can impact a life. I’ve been there and I know how it feels when someone has already made up their mind about who they think you are without knowing the whole story.

My experience in Mental Health, Drug, and Veterans Courts, has provided me with the tools to understand that a case may need a closer look. And with the additional knowledge I gained from Restorative Justice Court, I am committed to looking at alternative methods for justice, while still holding the offender accountable.

With all my life experiences from my brother’s murder to membership in the largest public service sorority in the world, being a single mother and my entire legal career serving the community, I know I am the best choice to fill the Murphy Vacancy.

With your vote we can continue to diversify the bench which will benefit everyone in Cook County.

To learn more about me visit, www.electloriannroper.com.

Thank you for your consideration,

Lori Ann Roper

Pablo F. deCastro: In his own words

Pablo F. deCastro is a candidate for the countywide Flannery, Jr. vacancy. His punch number is 141.

Hello, My name is Pablo deCastro.

I am running for judge in a county-wide vacancy (The vacancy of James P. Flannery). I would like to thank Jack Leyhane for the opportunity to tell voters a little bit about myself, and I would like to thank any voters who are taking the time to read this.

I am the Democratic Party-endorsed candidate in my race. I have been found qualified or recommended by all bar associations (15 in total, since the Advocate Society joined in this year). I am endorsed by the CFL, Personal-Pac, Am-Vote-Pac, IVO/IPO, Girl I Guess and several independent democratic organizations including 22nd ward, 28th Ward, 47th Ward, 40th Ward, Evanston, Proviso, New Trier, Thornton, Rich, Bloom and others. I have been all over the county gaining support wherever I go, and I hope to gain your support too. Thanks for reading.

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago and the Tulane University School of Law. I have been a trial attorney in Chicago for 29 years, litigating at the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts. I began my career with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, where I handled all kinds of criminal cases, defending the city’s most vulnerable communities. I left the public defender’s office in order to broaden my experience. In small firms I expanded my criminal defense experience into federal and appellate work and also handled civil cases involving injuries and small business corporate litigation. Since 2012 I have been in solo practice focused on public defender work through the federal public defender’s panel attorney program as well as civil litigation primarily through volunteer programs run by the Chicago Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights.

I have handled cases in 12 different counties in Illinois as well as federal trial courts in seven other states and appeals in Illinois state courts, three federal appellate circuit courts and the United States Supreme Court, where I have been admitted to practice since 2001. My experience includes complex cases such as RICO prosecutions, international extradition issues, extended jury trials in state and federal court, complex appeals and post-conviction petitions. I have handled jury trials and appeals in both civil and criminal matters over 29 years of active litigation practice. This broad experience earned me the distinction of being named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and a position as an instructor in Trial Practice at the University of Chicago Law School.

My work has always been inspired by my parents, who came to this country from Cuba when they were only 18 and 21 years old. They worked hard to put themselves through school, and also reached back to help others. They instilled in me the values of hard work, and the importance of education, but also the importance of service to others. My mother became a lawyer when I was young. She told me that lawyers help people. It has always been my understanding that the practice of law is and should be about service to the community. I have focused on work that I believe helps the most vulnerable. Criminal defense, particularly for indigent clients, puts me on the front line defending due process and individual rights. Although I defend people in connection with terrible crimes, (As has been noted by Injustice Watch, this list includes one defendant charged in connection with the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capital, a case for which I was appointed as a federal public defender.) In these representations I am not defending the crime itself. I am defending the Constitutional framework of equal rights and due process. In court the judge is there to guarantee fairness and due process. My career fighting for the same fairness has prepared me well for a new role on the bench. I look forward to a career as a judge, where I can continue my service to individual rights, equal access to the courts, and due process for everyone.

Michael J. Zink: In his own words

Michael J. Zink is a candidate for the 20th Subcircuit vacancy converted from the Associate Judgeship of Elizabeth Budzinski. His punch number is 162.

My name is Michael J. Zink and I am running for Circuit Court Judge in the 20th Judicial Subcircuit.

I am humbled that my candidacy has been endorsed by virtually every leading elected official in the 20th Subcircuit, including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Mike Quigley, Illinois State Senate President Don Harmon, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, State Senator Mike Simmons, State Representative Margaret Croke, State Representative Ann Williams, Alderperson Angela Clay, Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Alderperson Matt Martin, Alderperson Bennett Lawson, Alderperson Timmy Knudsen, Committeeperson Maggie O’Keefe, Committeeperson Paul Rosenfeld, Committeeperson Harry Osterman, and Committeeperson Tom Tunney. I have also been endorsed by the Chicago Federation of Labor, Personal PAC, Local 134-International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IVI-IPO, and the Coalition PAC. I am honored by this universal support of some of the greatest public servants of our time.

Currently an Equity Partner at the Law Offices of Starr, Bejgiert, Zink & Rowells, I have been in private practice for 19 years. My work involves litigation in real estate matters in nearly all of the civil divisions of the Cook County Circuit Court and in all 6 Districts of Cook County as well as other collar counties. Additionally, I have taught and moderated many courses for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education credit as well as non-MCLE legal courses for the knowledge of lay members of the community. I have likewise had many legal articles published, and I have been interviewed in the media many times regarding legal matters.

I have also held many bar association leadership roles. In the Illinois State Bar Association I served on multiple committees and councils including as Chair of the General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section Council, as a member of the Standing Committee on Judicial Evaluations for Cook County, and as a two-term elected member of the Assembly. At the Chicago Bar Association, among other roles I have served on the Real Property Law Committee and on the Nominating Committee. At the Advocates Society, I have served as President, as a member of the Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Steering Committee.

I have also engaged in extensive community leadership and service. As President of East Lake View Neighbors, one of Lakeview’s largest community organizations that includes Wrigleyville and one of our nation’s largest LGBTQ+ communities, I provided individuals an uncensored but respectful forum in which to educate my community about various legal topics and in which to facilitate communication between our community and its elected officials. I similarly held leadership roles in many other legal and community organizations and committees including the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice Forms Committee, the 44th Ward Community Directed Development Council, the Lake View Citizens Council, the Chicago Archdiocese, and the Housing Policy Committee for the Presidential Campaign of President Obama. I also have organized and engaged in a wide range of charity work for many years.

Public service is the driving force behind my candidacy. Driven by a dedicated work ethic, my devotion to public service has been at the forefront of all I have done my adult life. I firmly believe in the importance of rejecting the implicit bias that is rooted in our judicial system and of understanding the disproportionate impact of the judicial system on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing poverty, addiction, and mental health issues. I believe that this approach would promote a legal system that operates equally for all, delivering justice and offering the opportunity for rehabilitation.

I am proud to have been found “Qualified” or “Recommended” by every bar association that has rated me. As my family life, career, charity work, and leadership roles span every ward of the 20th Subcircuit, those who vote for me will not only elect a qualified Judge but will also elect a true voice of our community.

You can learn more about my candidacy at https://www.zinkforjudge.com. I ask for your vote by punching #162 on the March 19, 2024 primary election Democratic ballot.

Very truly yours,

Michael J. Zink

Sunil Bhave: In his own words

Sunil Bhave is a candidate for the 18th Subcircuit vacancy converted from the Associate Judgeship of Lauren Gottainer Edidin. His punch number is 162.

I would like to thank the host of this blog, Jack Leyhane, and you, the readers, for giving us an opportunity to tell you who we are. My name is Sunil Bhave and I am a candidate for Circuit Court Judge in Cook County's 18th Judicial Subcircuit, which principally consists of Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, and Des Plaines, along with surrounding communities in the Northwest Suburbs. I am currently an Associate Circuit Court Judge, having been appointed in March 2023.

The judicial branch is the hidden branch of government to many. But the cases we decide directly impact the lives of real, everyday citizens. I take my responsibilities very seriously. I know that, as a judge, every litigant deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. What I have learned is that litigants in the courtroom expect the same thing that we do in life—to be treated fairly. My job as a judge is to make sure every litigant and lawyer leaves the courtroom believing that they got a "fair shake" no matter the outcome of the case.

I am a second-generation American whose parents came to this country from India 60 years ago. My parents were hardworking immigrants who taught me compassion, empathy, and an unyielding sense that success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. As a child of immigrants, I have first-hand knowledge of discrimination and know that too many people face prejudice. When I became an attorney, I committed myself to a career in public service. I felt a desire to help the less fortunate and those against whom the odds may be stacked.

Immediately after graduation from law school, I joined the Missouri State Public Defender's Office in rural Missouri (down in the bootheel in Poplar Bluff). My clients were poor, and often there was no one else to help them. Later, I clerked at a state appellate court (in Missouri) and for a federal district court in Louisiana (the Middle District of Louisiana in Baton Rouge). After my clerkships, I moved to Chicago to join the Illinois Attorney General's Office, where I handled civil appeals and general trial court litigation. My practice at the Attorney General's Office was varied. I briefed and argued appellate cases, including arguments in every appellate district in Illinois, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the federal Seventh Circuit. I also litigated cases in the state and federal trial courtrooms from complaint to verdict, mostly focusing on civil rights cases in federal court and equitable relief cases in the State Chancery Division.

At the Attorney General's Office, I was fortunate to work on some of the more high-profile cases in high-stakes litigation involving the People of Illinois, such as lawsuits challenging Illinois' Concealed Carry licensing system in federal court and representing Chief Judge Timothy Evans and the Circuit Court of Cook County in a lawsuit that we filed against Cook County after the County drastically reduced funding for Court operations.

But it is not really the high-profile cases that prepared me to be a judge. Instead, it is the countless interactions with everyday people from all walks of life that prepared me to take the bench. It is those cases that no one will ever hear of, mostly involving self-represented litigants, that affected me profoundly. I recognized that for each litigant, their case is likely the most important matter occurring in their life at that moment. These experiences taught me the values of listening to others carefully, treating others with respect and dignity, and explaining each ruling so that every litigant, even if they lose the case, can have closure.

I also applied these values during my time as an elected school board member in the Northwest Suburbs (Elk Grove Township District 59). Like litigants, parents equally are deserving of respect, being treated fairly, and understanding why decisions are being made that affect their and their children's lives. Serving on the school board gave me a broader perspective on making important decisions affecting real people's lives outside of the courtroom setting.

I have been found qualified and recommended by all of the bar associations that have rated me. And through many years of public service, I have earned the trust and endorsement of many elected officials and organizations. I am endorsed by the following:

• Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
• State Senator Laura Murphy
• State Senator Ann Gillespie
• State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl
• Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison
• Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita
• Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski
• All of the Democratic Party Organizations and Committeepeople in the 18th Subcircuit
• Personal PAC—Illinois' Leading Pro-Choice Organization
• Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization

I ask for your vote—Sunil Bhave for Circuit Judge, 18th Subcircuit, Gottainer Edidin Vacancy, Punch No. 162. To learn more, please visit my campaign website at www.sunil4judge.com.

John Hock: In his own words

John Hock is a candidate for the 18th Subcircuit vacancy converted from the Associate Judgeship of James B. Linn. He is unopposed in the Democratic primary, but faces a Republican challenger in November.

Dear Voters,

My name is John Hock and I am running for judge in the new 18th Subcircuit of Cook County, which includes Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, most of Elk Grove Village, and parts of the surrounding communities. I am a devoted husband to my wife of over 15 years and father to two wonderful girls. My family and I have lived in Des Plaines for over 10 years and are involved in the community, volunteering with multiple organizations.

I come from a proud middle-class background, raised by two working parents – my mom a nurse and my dad a truck driver. They instilled in me the value of hard work and determination. I carry that with me every day, working hard, learning, and growing to meet my goals in life and my legal career.

I have been an attorney for over 15 years and have experience in both criminal and civil law. I am honored to be rated qualified or recommended by all the bar associations that have evaluated me. I am also proud to be endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Illinois Senator Laura Murphy, the Chicago Federation of Labor, Personal PAC, and many others. As the father of two daughters, Personal PAC’s endorsement is very important to me as Illinois’ foremost reproductive rights organization.

I spent most of my career as a proud public servant. First as an assistant public defender, where I represented the most vulnerable members of our society, including people suffering from extreme poverty, drug addiction, and mental health issues. I also represented children in juvenile court and parents going through DCFS proceedings. Beyond the traditional adversarial court process and the many trials and hearings involved with it, I had the honor of representing veterans in a treatment court system, where I was part of a team devoted to providing the services necessary for a healthier life.

As a public defender, I have witnessed first-hand how terrifying it is for someone to walk into a courtroom and have no idea how his or her life will be affected by the process. I also learned how much depends on who the judge is sitting on the bench. Is that person thoughtful, compassionate, respectful? Will that person do his or her best to efficiently resolve the case, be fair and always try to do what is right? I always worked hard to make sure my clients’ rights were protected and that the cases progressed with integrity.

I am currently serving as a Cook County assistant state’s attorney and am part of a unit that only handles post-conviction cases, requiring constant review of the judicial system and whether a defendant’s constitutional rights were violated. I am in court almost everyday fighting to uphold lawful convictions and am also tasked with proceeding with other just results when appropriate. Serving as judge requires a similar measured approach to balance the rights of all sides of the justice system, victims, and the safety of the community.

With experience and a commitment to fairness and integrity, I am the best choice to serve in the new 18th Judicial Subcircuit. To learn more about my background, candidacy, and endorsements, please visit my website at johnhockforjudge.com.

Thank you,

John Hock