CBA Releases Ratings of Countywide Judicial Candidates

Narrative explanations highlight qualifications and experience of candidates seeking Cook County judicial vacancies

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bar Association has released narrative evaluations of candidates seeking judicial vacancies in the 2026 Cook County Democratic Primary. The CBA did not provide any ratings for judicial candidates in the Cook County Republican Primary, as there are no Republican candidates seeking judicial office in the county. The CBA's assessments highlight the legal experience, temperament, and qualifications of the candidates vying for countywide judicial seats.

Why it matters

The CBA's judicial evaluations are an important resource for voters to understand the backgrounds and capabilities of judicial candidates, as the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system. These assessments can help inform voters' decisions in the upcoming primary elections.

The details

The CBA evaluated several candidates seeking countywide judicial vacancies in Cook County, including for the Appellate Court and various Circuit Court seats. The evaluations provided detailed narratives on the candidates' legal experience, qualifications, and other attributes that the CBA deemed relevant to serving effectively as a judge. For example, the CBA found Judith C. Rice "well regarded for her integrity, temperament, work ethic and diligence," and described candidate Steven Q. McKenzie as possessing the "requisite qualifications to serve as Circuit Court Judge" despite the majority of his experience being in a niche area of practice.

  • The CBA released its narrative evaluations on February 11, 2026.

The players

Judith C. Rice

A judge since 2014 who is the Acting Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Division. Prior to becoming a judge, she served in executive positions at BMO Harris Bank, was the Chicago City Treasurer, served as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Chicago, and as a prosecutor with the Cook County State's Attorney's office.

Steven Q. McKenzie

A supervising assistant corporation counsel since 2006, primarily dealing with housing and building code issues. He has also been involved in writing proposed legislation regarding those issues.

Luz Toledo

An Assistant Cook County State's Attorney assigned to the Real Estate and Tax Litigation Division. She previously served in the Appeals Division and spent 12 years prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases.

Linda Sackey

A judge since January 2025. Prior to her appointment, she had a diverse array of legal experience including in private practice and in the Illinois attorney general's office. Immediately prior to her judicial appointment, she clerked for Illinois supreme court justice Mary Jane Theis.

Ashonta C. Rice

Has been in private practice primarily in the areas of family law, child protection litigation, and guardianship for the last 18 years, after starting her career in the Cook County Public Guardian's Office.

Michael Carbonargi

Currently serving as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. He has a broad range of high-level legal experience and is well respected for his legal knowledge, calm and professional demeanor, and integrity.

Ava George Stewart

Received a 'Qualified' rating from the CBA for her current Circuit Court Judge candidacy, pursuant to the organization's Governing Resolution.

D'Anthony 'Tony' Thedford

Received a 'Highly Qualified' rating from the CBA before his appointment to the bench in late 2024. He has extensive experience in both criminal and civil litigation and is well regarded for his knowledge of the law, work ethic, diligence, and fine demeanor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The CBA's detailed evaluations of the countywide judicial candidates provide valuable insight into their qualifications and experience, which can help inform voters' decisions in the upcoming Cook County Democratic Primary elections. These assessments highlight the importance of an independent, nonpartisan review of judicial candidates to ensure the integrity and competence of the local judiciary.