Michael A. Forti
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 2016 and again in 2018 after losing an election, selected as an associate judge in 2019, and elected a circuit judge in 2020; hears cases in the Domestic Relations Division. Injustice Watch reports that in 2022 he held Steve Fanady in civil contempt and ordered him jailed for failing to turn over $10 million in stock awarded to his ex-wife in their divorce; Fanady says he does not own the stock, and in 2025 the appellate court affirmed Judge Forti. He told Injustice Watch, "I followed the law and I was affirmed." A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Chief counsel and ethics officer at the Illinois Department of Transportation (2012-2015); earlier an attorney in the City of Chicago Law Department, rising to deputy corporation counsel (1994-2012), and an equity partner at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd (1980-1994). Law degree from Northwestern University (1980).
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