An open seat to lead the nation’s second-largest prosecutor’s office has become one of the most spirited races in the Illinois primary with a Democratic matchup between a tough-on-crime judge and an attorney with union and establishment backing.
The Cook County state’s attorney primary features a former appellate judge, Eileen O’Neill Burke, with a large campaign war chest, versus Clayton Harris III, a professor and former prosecutor who’s held government posts.
The race highlights the fracture within the progressive Democrats who have taken over big city prosecutor offices in recent years. Some cities, including Los Angeles, are facing tough reelection bids with blame on progressive policies for perceptions of decreased safety. In Chicago, Democrats vying to replace outgoing State’s Attorney Kim Foxx are walking a fine line, pledging to uphold some of her progressive policies while also criticizing her tenure.
O’Neill Burke, who is more openly critical of Foxx, emphasizes the need to address crime for the city to thrive, while Harris advocates for appropriate punishments that consider racial disparities, aiming to ensure community safety without compromising justice.
The primary campaign has focused on issues such as the controversial policy of not prosecuting retail theft as a felony unless the stolen goods exceed $1,000, a threshold higher than the state law's $300 limit. Harris supports continuing this practice, citing concerns about disproportionate penalties, while O’Neill Burke opposes it, arguing that it promotes crime rather than deterring it.
Both candidates acknowledge the positive strides made by Foxx, with O’Neill Burke pledging to continue restorative justice efforts for young people and Harris highlighting the conviction review unit that has overturned wrongful convictions as a national model.
While O’Neill Burke leads in fundraising, Harris has garnered significant endorsements from labor unions, progressive leaders, and the Cook County Democratic Party. The race has also seen scrutiny over Harris' ties to Democratic politics, including his past role as chief of staff for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
As the primary election approaches, both candidates are making their case to voters, with O’Neill Burke emphasizing her extensive courtroom experience and Harris highlighting his personal background as a Black man raising children on Chicago’s South Side.
Ultimately, the winner of the Democratic primary in heavily Democratic Cook County is expected to have a clear path to victory in November, shaping the future of the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.
