Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jamie Guerra Dickler faces a retention vote in the 2026 general election. The nonpartisan question asks voters whether Dickler should remain on the bench.

Dickler has served on the bench since 2020, according to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Circuit court judges in Cook County preside over trial-level cases, including criminal, civil, family and probate matters. In a retention election, voters mark "yes" or "no" on whether a judge should keep the seat. There is no opposing candidate.

The Cook County Circuit Court is the largest unified court system in Illinois, serving more than five million residents across suburban and Chicago courthouses. A judge's caseload can range from felony criminal trials to civil disputes and family law proceedings.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Illinois Circuit Court Judge, Cook County Circuit (retention)
  • Election date: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Education: Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin; juris doctor from DePaul University
  • Bar admission: Illinois, 2005

Experience and public service

Before joining the bench, Dickler spent years as an assistant state's attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. She served in the Felony Review Unit, the Grand Jury, Sex and Homicide Unit, and the Felony Trial Division, according to a 2020 profile on the blog For What It's Worth. Her work in the Felony Trial Division dates to at least 2013.

Outside the courtroom, Dickler has volunteered as a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and served on the junior board of the Chicago Lighthouse, a nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired.

On the issues

No issue responses or policy statements from Dickler were available for this profile.

Endorsements

During the March 2020 Democratic primary for the 6th Subcircuit Nega vacancy, Dickler received ratings and endorsements from several bar associations and organizations, according to For What It's Worth. These historical ratings have not been verified as current 2026 retention endorsements.

Updated 2026 retention ratings from bar associations were not available at the time of publication. Endorsement and rating information is drawn from a 2020 blog compilation of candidate data.

  • Illinois State Bar Association — Rated "Qualified," citing criminal trial experience, legal knowledge, temperament, organization and impartiality (2020 primary)
  • Chicago Council of Lawyers — Rated "Qualified," citing legal ability, integrity, professionalism and preparation (2020 primary)
  • Chicago Bar Association — Rated "Qualified," citing extensive experience, legal knowledge, fairness and excellent demeanor (2020 primary)
  • Chicago Federation of Labor — Endorsed (2020 primary)
  • Chicago Tribune — Endorsed (2020 primary)
  • Lori Lightfoot, then Chicago mayor — Endorsed (2020 primary)