Below is a list of recommended judicial candidates. I compiled the list using the candidate ratings published by the Alliance of Bar Associations and the Chicago Bar Association. The Alliance consists of 13 local bar associations representing 13 different constituencies. This year there are only three contested races. Fortunately, all the candidates received composite positive ratings. For two of the three contested races, the candidate on my list has the highest composite score from all 14 bar associations. You can see the details of the composite scores at https://www.voteforjudges.org/#alliance-of-bar-associations-ballot.
The list covers the judicial contests for all of Cook County, plus the 11th Judicial Circuit, which includes Oak Park, River Forest and other nearby suburbs. Unlike the county-wide contests, the Judicial Circuits are geographically limited. WJ readers who do not live in the 11th Judicial Circuit can find their Judicial Circuit at Injustice Watch. (https://2026primary.injusticewatch.org). They can also check the bar association ratings for their Judicial Circuit at Vote For Judges (the above link).
Judith C. Rice
Steven Q. McKenzie
Luz Maria Toledo
Michael Cabonargi
Ava George Stewart
D’ Anthony “Tony” Thedford
Jarrett Knox *
Kim Prezekota
*Jarrett Knox and his opponent, John Carrozza, received the same composite ratings. For a tie-breaker I consulted Injustice Watch, which researches and reports on judicial candidates. I recommend Jarrett Knox because, in my opinion, his background, as reported by Injustice Watch, favors him over John Carrozza. According to Injustice Watch, Jarrett Knox has devoted his entire legal career to public interest work. John R. Carrozza has done zero public interest work and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, an organization that opposes abortion rights and same-sex marriage. You can read the details at https://2026primary.injusticewatch.org/ (11th Subcircuit races).
Jim Poznak
Oak Park