Candidates Vie for Cook County Circuit Court Seats

Voters to choose from diverse slate of judicial hopefuls in Democratic primary

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 Democratic primary for Cook County Circuit Court seats features a range of candidates, including Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Luz Maria Toledo and recently appointed Judge Linda Sackey. Both candidates have received positive evaluations from various bar associations, with Toledo praised for her legal knowledge and calm demeanor, and Sackey recognized for her diverse legal experience and judicial temperament.

Why it matters

The Cook County Circuit Court plays a crucial role in the Chicago metropolitan area, handling a wide range of civil and criminal cases. Voters' choices in the Democratic primary will help shape the future of the court, which has seen increasing diversity in recent years.

The details

Luz Maria Toledo has been an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney since 2007, working in both the Criminal Division and the Real Estate and Tax Litigation Division. She is praised for her legal expertise, attention to detail, and sensitivity to diverse litigants. Linda Sackey was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2025 after serving as a judicial clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court and working in the Illinois Attorney General's office. She currently presides over misdemeanor cases in the Traffic Division.

  • The 2026 Democratic primary election for Cook County Circuit Court seats will be held on March 17, 2026.
  • Luz Maria Toledo has been an Assistant Cook County State's Attorney since 2007.
  • Linda Sackey was appointed to the Circuit Court in January 2025.

The players

Luz Maria Toledo

An Assistant Cook County State's Attorney assigned to the Real Estate and Tax Litigation Division, with prior experience prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases.

Linda Sackey

A recently appointed Circuit Court judge who presides over misdemeanor cases in the Traffic Division, with prior experience as a judicial clerk and in the Illinois Attorney General's office.

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What they’re saying

“Luz Toledo is 'Qualified' for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Ms. Toledo was admitted to practice in 2006. She is 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. Ms. Toledo is well-respected for her legal knowledge and ability, as well as her calm temperament and demeanor.”

— Chicago Bar Association (Chicago Bar Association)

“Judge Sackey was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2006 and has served on the bench 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. Judge Sackey is well regarded for her legal knowledge and ability and her excellent demeanor and calm temperament.”

— Chicago Bar Association (Chicago Bar Association)

What’s next

Voters in the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026 will choose from the slate of judicial candidates, including Luz Maria Toledo and Linda Sackey, to determine who will serve on the Cook County Circuit Court.

The takeaway

The 2026 Cook County Circuit Court election features a diverse group of candidates with varied legal backgrounds, underscoring the importance of an informed electorate in selecting judges who will uphold the integrity of the court system and serve the needs of the community.