The redrawing of Illinois Supreme Court districts has set the stage for a high-stakes race in the northern and far western suburbs. With an open seat in the new 2nd District, the contest is expected to become a costly and consequential battle that could determine which party controls the state’s judicial branch.
Why This Race Matters
The Illinois Supreme Court currently holds a narrow 4-3 Democratic majority. Two seats, including the 2nd District, will be up for grabs in 2022, making this election pivotal for Republicans seeking to regain influence in state government.
“Electing a Republican could create a court more favorable to business and potentially lock up the balance of power until the next redistricting in 2031,” says Kent Redfield, political science professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
The court’s decisions have far-reaching implications for Illinois residents, including past rulings on redistricting, pension reforms, and medical malpractice laws.
The New Judicial Map
Illinois’ Supreme Court district boundaries hadn’t been updated since 1964, but Democrats fast-tracked a redistricting plan in May 2021. The new map reduces the old 2nd District from 13 counties to just five: Lake, Kane, McHenry, Kendall, and DeKalb.
Key Details of the New Map:
- Democrats’ Perspective: They argue the new boundaries reflect Illinois’ population shifts and increasing diversity.
- Republicans’ Criticism: GOP leaders denounce the map as a partisan move to protect Democratic dominance on the court.
The new 2nd District is slightly Democratic-leaning. In 2020, President Joe Biden carried the district with 55.9% of the vote. However, tighter contests like the 2018 gubernatorial race suggest competitive ground for Republicans.
Meet the Candidates
Republican Candidates
- Daniel Shanes: A Lake County Circuit Court judge with a strong track record in criminal justice. He chairs the Illinois Judicial College and has announced plans for a formal campaign, supported by prominent Republican figures.
- Potential Kane County Entrants: Judges Susan Clancy Boles and Elizabeth Flood, both experienced presiding judges, are seen as strong GOP contenders.
Democratic Candidates
- Elizabeth Rochford: A Lake County probate judge with a focus on public access to justice. She is the first Democrat to formally declare her candidacy.
- Nancy Rotering: The Highland Park mayor and a three-term officeholder, known for championing Highland Park’s ban on assault weapons. She is exploring a run.
- John Noverini: A Kane County judge who transitioned from Republican to Democrat and has emphasized his independence and service.
- Rene Cruz: Kane County’s first Latino associate judge, now running as a circuit judge, focusing on community service and judicial integrity.
High-Dollar Campaigning
Illinois judicial races have increasingly become multimillion-dollar showdowns. The 2020 campaign to unseat Justice Tom Kilbride shattered records, with $11.7 million spent by both sides. Outside groups and wealthy donors, such as Ken Griffin and Richard Uihlein, have heavily influenced these contests.
With control of the court at stake, the 2022 races are expected to attract similar levels of spending and political attacks.
Judicial Ethics and Campaign Challenges
Judges are held to strict ethical standards, including avoiding commitments on legal or political issues likely to come before the court. However, this won’t prevent intense scrutiny of candidates’ past decisions, campaign donors, and affiliations.
“Primaries are always good; it’s part of democracy,” says Kane County Democratic Chair Mark Guethle. But the general election will likely see millions in outside spending and negative campaigning.
What’s Next
Candidates will begin gathering voter signatures in January 2022, with primaries scheduled for late June and the general election in November. Meanwhile, Republicans have filed a legal challenge to the new judicial map, arguing it was drawn using outdated survey data rather than official census figures.
As this pivotal race unfolds, Illinois voters can expect contentious primaries and a closely watched general election that could shape the state’s judiciary for years to come.