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.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The number of candidates running for Cook County circuit judge seats has been steadily declining, with more than half of the races on the March 17 primary ballot being uncontested. Observers cite factors like the cost of campaigning, increased public scrutiny on judicial elections, and the Democratic Party's influence in discouraging competition against its chosen candidates. Some candidates on a glide path to the bench have liabilities that might hurt them in a contested race, including one with an arrest record, one with a history of failing to pay taxes, and one who only recently moved to Cook County.

Why it matters

The lack of competition in these judicial races means that many candidates will be virtually assured a spot on the bench, where they will hold significant power over issues like who goes to prison, who holds a driver's license, and who keeps their kids. This raises concerns about the quality and diversity of the judges being elected, as well as the influence of the Democratic Party in the process.

The details

For the second straight judicial primary election, less than half of the seats up for grabs on March 17 drew more than one candidate, continuing a decadeslong slide in competition. Observers have cited factors including the cost of campaigning, increased public scrutiny on judicial elections, and a Democratic Party that dominates local politics and discourages competition against its chosen candidates. The result is that candidates in 16 of the 28 circuit court races are virtually assured to breeze onto the bench.

  • The March 17 primary election will determine the winners of 28 open circuit court seats in Cook County.
  • This is the second straight primary season where more than half the races for Cook County circuit judge have been uncontested.

The players

Toni Preckwinkle

The chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, who says her concern is about having a diverse, qualified group of candidates, not simply a crowded field.

Brittany Michelle Pedersen

A candidate for one of the uncontested seats in the 13th Subcircuit, who has been charged with driving under the influence three times, though one case was dismissed and two were reduced to reckless driving.

Michael Cabonargi

A former Cook County Board of Review Commissioner and appointed judge who is running in a contested countywide race, and is trailed by ethical questions and campaign finance violations.

Ashonta C. Rice

A private attorney running against Cabonargi in the contested countywide race.

John Harkins

A candidate in a three-way race in the 19th Subcircuit, who has scant legal experience but powerful connections, including the backing of 19th Ward Chicago Ald. Matt O'Shea, his brother-in-law, and his boss, Sheriff Tom Dart.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that people deserve second chances, and third chances, and maybe sometimes a fourth.”

— Brittany Michelle Pedersen (Injustice Watch)

“My concern is really quality, not quantity. I want good candidates who get good bar ratings and to be able to choose among them. It's not so much the number, but who — judged by their peers — is likely to be good on the bench.”

— Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Democratic Party Chair (Injustice Watch)

“It is certainly a problem for our democracy that voters do not have a choice between candidates in many elections.”

— E.J. Fagan, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Illinois Chicago (Injustice Watch)

“As the public becomes more aware of the importance of judicial elections, it unfortunately makes people more reluctant to put the effort into it. It's seen as more political and professional than it used to be in terms of what you have to do.”

— Elizabeth Monkus, Oversees Judicial Candidate Evaluation Process, Chicago Council of Lawyers (Injustice Watch)

What’s next

The March 17 primary election will determine the winners of 28 open circuit court seats in Cook County. Voters can learn more about the 46 candidates in Injustice Watch's election guide.

The takeaway

The lack of competition in these judicial races raises concerns about the quality and diversity of the judges being elected, as well as the influence of the Democratic Party in the process. This trend highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the judicial election system, to ensure that voters have a meaningful choice in who serves on the bench.