Barnhart Wins GOP Judge Primary

A new judge in a new judicial circuit.

The winner of the Republican primary, Melissa Barnhart, will serve in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The state legislature created the circuit by splitting Kendall and DeKalb counties from the 16th Judicial Circuit, which will be comprised only of Kane County starting in December.

The new judicial seat requires the Barnhart live in Kendall County and be elected by Kendall County voters only. No Democrats filed nominating petitions, so Barnhart will be unopposed in the November election.

Circuit judges are elected in traditional partisan races for six-year terms, according to an Illinois courts website. After their first terms, circuit judges face retention elections, which simply ask voters - yes or no - whether a particular judge should keep his or her seat for another six years.

Click here for Melissa Barnhart's campaign site. Click here for David Kim's campaign site.