Cook County election results show judicial retention and Oak Park referendum outcomes

Preliminary election results from Cook County indicate that all 60 circuit judges up for retention are on track to remain in office for another six years. However, three judges, including Tiesha L. Smith, Ursula Walowski, and Lorraine Mary Murphy, are facing narrow margins near the 60% threshold. Reports indicate these three judges received negative ratings from at least one local bar association. Judge Smith, who serves in the juvenile justice division, has faced criticism regarding her courtroom temperament, though the Chicago Council of Lawyers found her qualified after she agreed to take a stress management course.

In Oak Park, voters approved an advisory referendum regarding Illinois laws that ban state investment in businesses boycotting Israel. The referendum passed with 65.36% of the vote. Supporters of the measure argue that current state laws, which require pension funds to bar companies that divest from Israel, have caused financial losses for state pensioners. Advocates plan to use the results to urge state legislators to move forward with bills intended to amend the Illinois Pension Code.