Edward A. Arce
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
Record
Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2008 and elected later that year from the 14th Subcircuit; hears cases in the Domestic Relations Division. Injustice Watch reports that he presides over a 2019 parentage case seeking to establish that blues musician Buddy Guy is the petitioner's father, and that after the appellate court reversed his dismissal of the case, he ordered Guy in July to take a new paternity test. His family owns the Tropical Optical and Sun Optics eyewear businesses; he is a Sun Optics shareholder and says he draws no income from them. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Associate and partner at a small firm handling civil cases including family law, bankruptcy, and contract disputes (1985-2008). Law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent (1985).
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