Circuit Court, 19th 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
- Sara McGann (Democratic, Incumbent): Circuit judge appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in July 2025, previously a Cook County assistant state's attorney supervising criminal appeals; unopposed in the primary.
- Monica Somerville (Democratic): Staff attorney at Cabrini Green Legal Aid and a City of Chicago administrative hearing officer, formerly a deputy director in the Chicago Department of Finance; won a three-way primary with 42.39%.