Judicial Elections Archives

2020 Retention

In 2020, Cook County voters cast ballots for judges in historic numbers

Three in four Cook County voters in this year’s general election voted for or against at least one judge up for retention. Is this level of engagement a fluke or a new normal?

by Carlos Ballesteros, Emily Hoerner and Jason Asenso December 3, 2020December 5, 2023

Voter at United Center on Election Day 2020

2020 Retention

Final election results show one Cook County judge lost her seat, others hold on by a thread

Cook County Circuit Judge Jackie Portman-Brown lost her retention bid by less than 12,000 votes, while Judge John Mahoney III held onto his seat by about 2,100 votes. Several other judges kept their seats by slim margins.

by Carlos Ballesteros and Emily Hoerner November 24, 2020December 5, 2023

2020 Retention

Dos Jueces de Chicago, al borde de perder sus puestos al avanzar el conteo de votos

Los jueces del condado de Cook (Chicago) que buscan la reelección necesitan asegurar al menos el 60% de votos afirmativos para mantenerse en el puesto.

by Carlos Ballesteros November 17, 2020December 5, 2023

2020 Retention

Two Cook County judges on verge of losing seats as vote counting continues

With nearly all the votes counted, Judge Jackie Portman-Brown did not get enough “yes” votes to stay on the bench as of Tuesday. Another judge is holding on to his seat by 282 votes.

by Carlos Ballesteros November 12, 2020December 5, 2023

Election sign urging "Yes" vote on all retention judges

2020 Retention

Es probable que todos los jueces del Condado de Cook que se postularon a la reelección —incluyendo Toomin — se queden en sus cargos

Cada juez del Condado de Cook que se postulaba para permanecer en su cargo, parecía estar preparado para conservar su lugar en el estrado.

by Injustice Watch Staff November 6, 2020December 5, 2023

2020 Retention

All Cook County judges up for re-election — including Toomin — likely to keep their seats

Judge Michael Toomin, who was the target of opposition by juvenile justice advocates, appeared to narrowly hang on to his seat. Three other judges were also expected to win by slim margins, according to unofficial results as of Wednesday morning.

by Injustice Watch Staff November 4, 2020December 5, 2023

2020 Retention

Election day 2020: Cook County judicial races to watch

These are the judicial races to keep an eye on as the votes come in.

by John Seasly November 3, 2020December 5, 2023

Envelope with "RTS No Newspaper" scrawled on it

Judicial Elections

Cook County Jail election guide rejection harms voters and the free press

County officials say the jail mailroom accidentally rejected Injustice Watch’s judicial election guide. But accidents violate the Constitution, too.

by Juliet Sorensen October 29, 2020January 30, 2024

More than 1,000 copies of Injustice Watch's judicial election guide

2020 Retention

Injustice Watch mailed its judicial election guide to 1,000 detainees at Cook County Jail. They never received them.

Officials said workers in the jail’s mailroom incorrectly identified the election guides as contraband.

by Carlos Ballesteros and Emily Hoerner October 26, 2020July 14, 2026

2020 Retention

Chicago mayor’s support of Judge Michael Toomin leaves juvenile justice advocates ‘disappointed’

Judge Michael Toomin and Mayor Lori Lightfoot say his critics are playing politics. Reformers say the lives and futures of Cook County children are at stake.

by John Seasly and Adeshina Emmanuel October 20, 2020January 8, 2024

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