Illinois Voters Prepare for Judicial Primaries in 2026

Dozens of judicial candidates running for seats on appellate and circuit courts across the state

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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With nearly 50 judicial candidates running for 29 vacancies in Cook County alone, Illinois voters will have a lot of research to do ahead of the 2026 primary election. Circuit court judges serve six-year terms and handle a wide range of cases, while appellate court judges serve 10-year terms and rule on appealed cases from the circuit courts. Several local bar associations have released recommendations to help voters evaluate the candidates.

Why it matters

The judicial selections in the 2026 primary will impact rulings over criminal cases, evictions, traffic tickets, and many other decisions that affect the everyday lives of Illinoisans. Voters need to be informed about the candidates' backgrounds and qualifications in order to make informed choices.

The details

Illinois' circuit courts are the state's general trial courts, handling all initial legal cases. Circuit court judges serve six-year terms. Cases heard at the circuit court level can be appealed upward to the appellate courts. Appellate court judges serve 10-year terms and rule on appealed cases that were originally decided by circuit courts. Illinois' appellate courts are divided into five districts, with the First District covering Cook County.

  • The 2026 primary election in Illinois will be held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Illinois Circuit Courts

The state's general trial courts, handling all initial legal cases.

Illinois Appellate Courts

A step below the Illinois Supreme Court, these courts rule on appealed cases from the circuit courts. Illinois' appellate courts are divided into five districts.

Cook County

The county that makes up the entirety of the First District Appellate Court. Nearly 50 judicial candidates are running for 29 vacancies in Cook County.

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What’s next

Voters in Illinois will need to research the judicial candidates on their ballots ahead of the March 17, 2026 primary election. Resources like the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and Injustice Watch's interactive guide can help voters evaluate the candidates.

The takeaway

With dozens of judicial candidates running for seats across Illinois, voters will need to do their homework to make informed choices in the 2026 primary election. The decisions made by these judges will have a significant impact on the everyday lives of Illinoisans.