17th Judicial Circuit Race: Meet Democratic candidate Paul Carpenter
In the March 17 Primary, Winnebago County residents will head to the polls to decide who will sit on the bench for the 17th Judicial Circuit.
While judges’ races are usually glossed over on Election Day, remember that the candidate you ultimately choose, could one day be presiding over your legal case in court.
The position for Resident Circuit Judge is being fought by two Democrats, DCFS Regional Counsel Paul Carpenter and the latest appointee to this court, Erin Hannigan.
Judge John S. Lowry retired at the end of 2025, leaving a vacancy on the bench. After a competitive process, the Illinois Supreme court appointed Erin Hannigan in January to fill the empty seat.
https://www.wrex.com/news/election/17th-judicial-circuit-race-meet-democratic-candidate-paul-carpenter/article_12401d97-b60b-4276-af6a-95f1c88f4397.html