Robert D. Kuzas
Judge up for retention, on the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026. Incumbent.
Circuit Court of Cook County
Ratings
Record
Elected to the Circuit Court in 2014 from the 7th Subcircuit; hears felony preliminary hearings in branch 44 on Chicago's West Side, after earlier hearing misdemeanor cases in the same courthouse. Injustice Watch reports that he was a Chicago police officer before becoming a lawyer and served as 46th Ward Democratic committeeperson. It reports, citing the Chicago Sun-Times, that he is white and ran in the 7th Subcircuit, which was created to help elect more Black judges, after temporarily renting an apartment at its downtown edge, with endorsements from Black politicians including then-Secretary of State Jesse White. A judge stays on the bench with a yes from 60 percent of voters.
Background
Attorney in private practice in criminal defense, personal injury, and labor relations, including representing the Chicago Police Sergeants Association. Law degree from UIC Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) (1988).
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