What Is 2022 Illinois Supreme Court elections

Overview

The 2022 Illinois Supreme Court election was a pivotal nonpartisan race held to fill a vacancy in the 2nd Judicial District. This seat became open due to the retirement of Justice Rita B. Garman, who served on the court for over two decades. The election coincided with the broader midterm elections, drawing significant attention to judicial independence and state-level governance.

Unlike federal judicial appointments, Illinois Supreme Court justices face periodic retention or competitive elections. The 2nd District seat was one of the few contested statewide judicial races in 2022. Voters across 14 counties in northern Illinois determined the outcome, making it a closely watched contest in the state’s legal and political communities.

• Justice Mary Kay O'Brien won the election with 51.4% of the vote, defeating challenger Jesse G. Reyes.
• The seat became vacant when Justice Rita B. Garman retired in June 2022 after serving since 2001.
• The election was officially nonpartisan, though both candidates had known party affiliations.
• Voting occurred across 14 counties in the 2nd Judicial District, including DuPage and Will Counties.
• Illinois uses a retention and election hybrid system, where justices initially appointed may later face retention or competitive elections.

How It Works

Illinois Supreme Court justices are selected through a mixed system of appointment and election, unique among U.S. states. After initial appointment, justices stand in retention elections or face challengers in partisan or nonpartisan races depending on the vacancy type.

• Term: Justices serve 10-year terms. Upon expiration, they may run in a retention election or face a challenger if a vacancy opens earlier. The winner serves a full decade unless retiring or removed.
• Justices are initially appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court if a mid-term vacancy occurs, as with Garman’s retirement.
• Appointed justices must later run in the next general election for a full term, as O'Brien did in 2022.
• The 2nd District covers 14 counties stretching from Cook County’s western edge to the Wisconsin border.
• Candidates do not run with party labels in Supreme Court elections, though party endorsements are common.
• Illinois is one of seven states using a hybrid judicial selection model, blending appointment and electoral accountability.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Illinois’ judicial election system compares to other states with elected high courts:

While Illinois maintains a nonpartisan ballot, political influence remains significant through endorsements and funding. The 2022 race saw over $2.1 million in campaign spending, reflecting the court’s influence on issues like abortion rights, taxation, and criminal justice. Compared to states like Texas, where justices run openly as Republicans or Democrats, Illinois aims for judicial neutrality—though party networks still shape candidate selection.

Why It Matters

The outcome of the 2022 Illinois Supreme Court election has lasting implications for state law and governance. With the court often ruling on high-stakes issues like redistricting, public pensions, and constitutional challenges, each justice’s philosophy can shape policy for years.

• Abortion rights became a key issue, as the court may rule on Illinois’ reproductive health laws post-Roe.
• The justice elected in 2022 will help decide redistricting challenges following the 2020 census.
• Decisions impact state taxation, including potential progressive income tax rulings.
• The court interprets public pension obligations, affecting state budgeting and labor law.
• Justice O'Brien’s moderate record suggests a centrist balance on a court with shifting ideological dynamics.
• Judicial elections like this one highlight the growing politicization of state courts nationwide.

Ultimately, the 2022 election reinforced the importance of judicial engagement in Illinois democracy. With long terms and broad authority, Supreme Court justices play a critical role in shaping the state’s legal landscape beyond the reach of the legislature.