Circuit Court, 16th Subcircuit
Trial judges elected by one part of the county.
On the Chicago ballot November 3, 2026.
Every Cook County judge up for retention needs a yes from 60 percent of voters to keep the job. Bar associations screen each one; Injustice Watch reports on their records. Injustice Watch judicial guide, Chicago Bar Association evaluations.
On the ballot
- Jessica Karina Velez (Democratic): Former deputy general counsel at the Illinois Office of the Comptroller (2023-2025) and civil litigation associate; unopposed in the primary.
- Julian Sanchez Crozier (Democratic): Criminal defense partner at a small firm (2018-2025) and a former Cook County assistant state's attorney (2013-2018); unopposed in the primary.