Megan Elizabeth Goldish
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
- Chicago Bar Association: Qualified
- Illinois State Bar Association: Yes
- Injustice Watch: Former prosecutor
- Injustice Watch: Notable controversy
Record
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2014 from the 9th Subcircuit; serves in the Domestic Violence Division, handling criminal cases and orders of protection. Injustice Watch reports that as a felony review prosecutor she approved murder charges against John Velez in 2001 and Omar Williams in 2011; Velez was exonerated and Williams acquitted in 2017, and in their civil rights lawsuits witnesses said statements she prepared contained falsehoods. Williams dropped his claims against her, Velez settled with her and the county in 2024 for $2.4 million, and she said her role was peripheral and "There has never been any finding that I engaged in misconduct." A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Cook County assistant state's attorney in divisions including felony review, domestic violence, and felony trial (1997-2014). Law degree from Northwestern University (1996).
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