Circuit Court, 20th 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
- Michael J. Zink (Democratic, Incumbent): Circuit judge appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2024 after two decades as a partner in a housing and eviction law firm; unopposed in the primary.
- Jon Stromsta (Democratic): Administrative law judge at the Illinois Department of Employment Security since 2022 and a former assistant defender in the Office of the State Appellate Defender; won the primary over Belle Katubig, 58.16% to 41.84%.