Justice Thomas Kilbride was first elected to Illinois’ Supreme Court by voters in the 3rd Judicial District in 2000. His two-decade tenure on the court will end as voters rejected his retention on Tuesday night.
This is the first time an Illinois Supreme Court Justice has ever failed to gain retention.
Kilbride says in a statement that he’s disappointed in the apparent outcome.
Kilbride says, “I want to thank the voters of the Third Judicial District for twice placing their faith in me to uphold the sacred principles that guide our judicial system. Serving on the Illinois Supreme Court has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime, and I am proud of the legacy I will leave behind, including a court that is more open, transparent and accessible to all, regardless of economic means.”
Citizens for Judicial Fairness, a group that spearheaded an effort to make sure Kilbride wasn’t retained released a statement from Chairman Jim Nowlan saying, “This unprecedented outcome sends an unmistakable message that Illinoisans want an independent judiciary with no ties to Mike Madigan. We call on the Supreme Court to listen to the people as they consider a potential interim replacement to serve until 2022.”
