ILLINOIS PRIMARY — MARCH 17, 2026 — COOK COUNTY
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Featured Races
See all 31 races →U.S. Senate — Illinois Democratic Primary
Illinois voters choose the Democratic nominee for the open U.S. Senate seat after Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement. The winner advances to the November general election and could shape federal policy on spending, immigration, and judicial confirmations.
Cook County Board President — Democratic Primary
The Cook County Board President leads the county's executive agenda and oversees a multibillion-dollar county budget. This race affects county health systems, criminal justice administration, and property-tax-adjacent policy decisions.
Cook County Assessor — Democratic Primary
The Cook County Assessor sets assessed property values used to calculate tax bills across the county. This office has direct impact on homeowners, renters, and businesses through assessment policy and appeals administration.
Judicial Watch
All judges →Nobody covers judicial races. We do. Here are the 4 most alarming Cook County judge candidates on your March 17 ballot.
Natalie L. Howse
1st Subcircuit · Uncontested
🚩Unanimous Not Recommended from all bar associations — wins uncontested
John Harkins
19th Subcircuit
🚩Zero legal experience; backed by Ald. O'Shea and Sheriff Dart despite no qualifications
Brittany Michelle Pedersen
13th Subcircuit · Uncontested
🚩3 DUI charges — 1 dismissed, 2 reduced to reckless driving
Michael Cabonargi
Countywide
🚩Ethical questions and campaign finance violations
Scores based on Alliance of Bar Associations ratings · CBA Voters Guide · Injustice Watch investigative reporting
Transparency Snapshot
Full scorecard →Illinois Primary — March 17, 2026
See Your Full Ballot
TheJacket covers the contested races. Your actual ballot also includes Cook County commissioners, water reclamation district seats, state legislative races, and more — all by your address.