Stories about people running for judge, judges running for retention, and the process of judicial elections and appointments.
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.
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.
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.
Cada juez del Condado de Cook que se postulaba para permanecer en su cargo, parecía estar preparado para conservar su lugar en el estrado.
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.
These are the judicial races to keep an eye on as the votes come in.
Officials said workers in the jail’s mailroom incorrectly identified the election guides as contraband.
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.
Judicial elections bring high stakes and consequences, especially for Black, Latinx and other marginalized groups disproportionately impacted by the justice system.
Kenneth J. Wadas has been reversed 25 times in 6 years — more than any other Cook County criminal court judge on the November ballot running to remain in office.