Update on Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge Race;

No Candidate on March Primary Ballot

The race to fill the vacancy left by retiring Chief Judge Raymond A. Cavanaugh in Illinois’ Ninth Judicial Circuit has taken an unconventional turn, with no candidates appearing on the March 17, primary ballot. Two contenders are now pursuing alternative paths to the November 3, 2026, general election.

Associate Judge Chad Long, a sitting judge and lifelong resident of the circuit, announced he will run as an independent candidate in the general election. Long initially planned to seek a party nomination but faced complications due to a dispute over the vacancy’s certification date. 

He relied on the State Board of Elections’ October 14, 2025, certification of the vacancy (following Cavanaugh’s retirement announcement), but the Board later determined the vacancy occurred on October 10, 2025, when Cavanaugh emailed the Illinois Supreme Court about his planned retirement effective December 6, 2026. This timing issue prevented Long from filing during the standard period for established party candidates.

After consulting advisers, legal counsel, and supporters, Long opted against filing during the special judicial vacancy period to avoid likely objections and uncertain litigation that might not resolve before the primary. 

He emphasized that his decision does not alter his qualifications, integrity, or commitment to the community. Petition circulation for his independent candidacy begins February 25. Long highlighted that the absence of primary candidates as no Democrat filed, and a potential Republican was removed for insufficient signatures.

Meanwhile, attorney Carissa Bryant, a lifelong resident of McDonough County,  has declared her intent to seek the Republican nomination via a write-in campaign in the March 17 primary. Bryant’s name was kept off the ballot due to a small number of petition signatures being disqualified. She urged Republican voters across the six-county circuit (Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren) to write in her name on March 17.

A partner at Tucker, Hartzell & Bryant in Carthage, Bryant brings extensive trial and appellate experience in family law, civil litigation, municipal representation, and more. 

She stressed her dedication to fairness, equal access to justice, and impartiality, promising robust outreach through events and direct engagement to educate voters on the write-in process.

Both candidates are taking unconventional routes as they seek to appear on the November 3, general election ballot.