Updated 3/10/26
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.
Kathleen Cunniff Ori - #141
Candidate Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Kathleen Cunniff Ori is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Ori was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2007. She began her legal career as a law clerk initially for Judge Michael M. Mihm of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois and then for Judge William J. Bauer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She then was in private practice prior to joining the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, where she currently serves as Deputy Supervisor in Labor and Employment. Ms. Ori is committed to community service and is highly regarded for her integrity, legal knowledge and trial experience, and temperament. She possesses the requisite qualifications for service as a Circuit Court Judge.The Chicago Council of Lawyers says:
Kathleen Ori was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. Since 2017, she has served as an Assistant State's Attorney in Cook County. Previously, she was in private practice.The Illinois State Bar Association says:
The Council finds Ms. Ori Qualified for the Circuit Court.
Kathleen Cunniff Ori was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2007. Since 2017 she has served as a Cook County State’s Attorney where she is currently assigned to the Special Litigation Division handling cases of labor and employment law. Previously, she was in private practice with McGuireWoods and clerked for a U.S. District judge and a U.S. Appellate Court judge.
Ms. Ori is described as a thorough and talented writer and researcher, having a good grasp of the law and effective at explaining it to other people; is quite competent and well-respected by colleagues, opposing counsels and judges. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Kathleen Cunniff Ori 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: Not 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
Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide
Plumbers Local 130 UA
Plumbers Local 130 UA
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Elizabeth Christina Dibler - #142
Candidate Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Pursuant to Section 34 of The Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee’s Governing Resolution, The Executive Committee has voted to issue a “Qualified” rating for [Dibler's] current Circuit Court Judge candidacy.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 this candidate a Qualified rating. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Elizabeth Christina Dibler was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2003. She has spent her career with the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, presently First Chair in the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau since 2018. Before this she served in the Felony Trial Division where she supervised other attorneys. She has extensive jury and bench trial experience in complex matters.
Ms. Dibler volunteers in her community and participated in mock trial competitions. She is described as being highly proficient and very knowledgeable. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Elizabeth Christina Dibler 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: Not Evaluated through no fault of the candidate
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: Highly Recommended
Endorsements
Chicago FOP John Dineen Lodge No. 7
United Hellenic Voters of America
------------------------------------------------------United Hellenic Voters of America
Garson Fischer - #143
Candidate Website
Bar Association Evaluation Narratives
The Chicago Bar Association says:
Garson Fischer is “Qualified” for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Mr. Fischer was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005. He has been an attorney in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office since 2005. He currently serves as Deputy Chief for Criminal Appeals. Mr. Fischer possesses extensive knowledge of criminal law and demonstrates a calm and thoughtful temperament. He presents as intelligent, articulate, and carries himself with professionalism. His demeanor is well suited for the bench. Mr. Fischer possesses the requisite qualifications for service 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 this candidate a Qualified rating. - Ed.)The Illinois State Bar Association says:
Garson Fischer was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2005. Additionally, he is admitted and active in the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois (2006) and the U.S. Supreme Court (2009). Since 2005 Mr. Fischer has been with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as a Deputy Chief of Criminal Appeals.
Mr. Fischer has been commended for his legal knowledge; is sensitive to ethnic diversity; is very professional and has received praise from his adversarial opponents for his legal ability, demeanor and temperament. The Illinois State Bar Association finds Garson Fischer 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: Not 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
Chicago Federation of Labor
IUOE Local 399
IBEW Local 134
Chicago Laborers District Council (LiUNA!)
------------------------------------------------------IUOE Local 399
IBEW Local 134
Chicago Laborers District Council (LiUNA!)
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