Judicial Elections
Stories about people running for judge, judges running for retention, and the process of judicial elections and appointments.
Posted in2026 Retention
What can you tell us about these Cook County judges running for retention?
We’re researching the Cook County judges running for another term in November for our judicial election guide. Have something to share? Let us know.
Posted in2026 Primary
Judicial election results: Three appointed judges rejected by voters in Cook County judicial primaries
Voters had no choice in more than half the races, which were uncontested. Several candidates won despite negative ratings from local bar groups.
Posted in2026 Primary
Live results: March 2026 Cook County judicial primary election
Live election results for the March 2026 Cook County judicial primary elections.
Posted in2026 Primary
What makes these judicial races on Chicago’s South Side unique?
This year, fewer judicial candidates are running overall, either countywide or in a subcircuit. But voters in the South Loop, Hyde Park, South Shore and Roseland neighborhoods are choosing from an unusually crowded field for two open seats.
Posted in2026 Primary
Where to find a copy of Injustice Watch’s judicial election guide for the 2026 primary
We printed 170,000 copies of our judicial election guide for the March 17 primary elections and distributed them across Cook County. Here’s where you can find them.
Posted in2026 Primary
No contest: Cook County judicial primary elections draw dwindling field of candidates
For the second straight primary season, more than half the races for Cook County circuit judge on the March 17 ballot are uncontested, with just 45 candidates vying for 28 open seats.
Posted in2026 Primary
March 2026 Cook County judicial election guide
Injustice Watch’s guide to the March 2026 Cook County judicial primary elections.
Posted inCourt Administration
Charles Beach elected Cook County chief judge
Beach will be Cook County’s first new chief judge in 24 years, after defeating eight-term incumbent Timothy Evans.
Posted inJudicial Elections
Cook County Democrats slate 5 judicial candidates, prepare for lean 2026 war chest
Last week the party nominated a diverse slate for a record-low number of vacant judicial positions open to countywide voting.