IL Supreme Court: Rochford Wins Dem Primary, GOP Too Close To Call

SPRINGFIELD, IL — In the first primary election of the 2nd Judicial District of the Illinois Supreme Court, a clear winner emerged on the Democratic side while the Republican side was too close to call.

As of Wednesday morning, a Lake Forest judge had collected more than 44 percent of the vote, amassing a lead of more than 14,800 votes over her nearest challenger and declaring victory, while a former Lake County sheriff held a lead of fewer than 1,550 votes.

Elizabeth Rochford said she was honored to be the Democratic Party nominee and eager to bring her experience to the bench in the state's highest court.

“This victory would not have been possible without the support of my family, my friends, my campaign team, our friends in organized labor, and our wonderful volunteers and supporters. I also would like to recognize and thank Mayor Nancy Rotering and Judge René Cruz for their participation in this race. They are good people who care deeply about the Second District, and it has been a privilege to stand beside them at forums and debates over the last several months," Rochford said in a statement.

“Now, it is time to look forward to November. Recent events have shown just how critical this election is and underscore why we must do everything we can to prevent the Illinois Supreme Court from falling to a Republican majority with so much at risk. I am ready for that fight," she added. "I look forward to continuing to travel across the Second District in the coming months to meet with voters, hear their stories, and share why I am the candidate for this seat. Let’s get to work.”

Mark Curran, who led the Republican field with about 30 percent of the vote as of Wednesday morning, said he never expected more than 5 perce0nt of people to vote for him.

"I had no ambition for the job and only ran because I believed the Lord wanted me to run. I was the only Republican in the race not a sitting judge. I had no money. I had no endorsements. I didn’t have a single sign. I had a little bit of literature but only 1 precinct committeeperson offered to carry my literature. I didn’t spend 1 penny for advertising," Curran said a statement Wednesday.

"I was given zero chance," he added. "I am up 1517 votes over my closest opponent in the 5 counties. We have every expectation it will hold up."

Whoever wins a 10-year in the seat later this year could determine the balance of power on the state's highest court for years to come.

The seat was formerly held by Republican Robert Thomas, a former Chicago Bears kicker, DuPage County judge and appellate judge, who retired in 2020 after two decades as a supreme court justice.

Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendal and DeKalb counties comprise the district, which was established through a redistricting process last year, which redrew the district boundaries for the first time since they were established in 1964.

Democrats currently hold a 4-3 majority on the court, which is made up of three justices from the 1st District — Cook County — and one justice each from the remaining four districts.

Voters are often only asked whether or not they want to retain supreme court justices who have already been elected or appointed.

But in 2022, due to last year's redistricting, voters in two districts are this year due to have multiple candidates on their November ballot from which to choose.

There were three Democrats and four Republicans running for the seat.

On the Democratic side, Kane County Circuit Judge Rene Cruz, Lake County Associate Judge Elizabeth Rochford and Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering faced off for their party's nomination.

On the Republican side, former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran, McHenry County Appellate Judge Susan Hutchinson, Kane County Circuit Judge John Noverini and Lake County Circuit Judge Dan Shanes sought their party's nomination.

Both of the non-judge candidates have previous records running in primary elections.

Curran won a five-way Republican primary race to face U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in 2020. Rotering finished second in the 2016 Democratic primary in the 10th Congressional District and fourth in the Democratic attorney general primary in 2018.

Both were also rated "not recommended" by the Illinois State Bar Association.

Read more: Illinois Supreme Court 2nd District Primary Election Voters Guide

Democratic Primary Results

Republican Primary Results

Check back for updated results as they come in.

Read more: These 7 Candidates Want A Rare Open Seat On The Illinois Supreme Court