There are some very close races for court positions. Democrat Mary Kay O’Brien appears to have beaten Republican Michael Burke for the Third District Supreme Court seat. The apparent winner for the Third District Appellate Court races is Republican Liam Christopher Brennan, who ran against Democrat Sonni Choi Williams. It will take another two weeks before the elections results are certified for both races. One race for the thirteenth circuit court wasn’t as close. Grundy County Republican State’s Attorney Jason Helland won more votes than Democrat Judge Christina Cantlin, so he will replace her as a judge in the future. LaSalle County Judge H. Chris Ryan will also stay on the bench after he won 77% of yes votes during his retention vote.
Illinois courts system photo of Mary K. O’Brien
Grundy County State’s Attorney Jason Helland. Photo from Grundy County State’s Attorney website.
Judicial race results compiled by WCMY News
- yes 49,571 (78%)
- no 14,198 (22%)
Judge H. Chris Ryan retention – 60% required to stay on the job.
- Christina Cantlin 31,422 (45%)
- Jason Helland 38,496 (55%)
13th Circuit judge
- Sonni Choi Williams 310,127 (47%)
- Liam Christopher Brennan 345,644 (53%)
3rd District Appellate judge
- Mary K. O’Brien 336,403 (51%)
- Michael Burke 328,867 (49%)
3rd District Illinois Supreme Court