Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jamie Guerra Dickler faces a nonpartisan retention vote on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. Dickler has served on the bench since 2020 after a career as a Cook County prosecutor, according to the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Cook County Circuit Court judges hear cases across the county, including in Park Ridge. In a retention race, voters answer a single yes-or-no question on whether to keep the judge in office. No opposing candidate appears on the ballot.

Candidate information

  • Office: Illinois Circuit Court Judge, Cook County Circuit
  • Election: Nov. 3, 2026, Illinois General Election (nonpartisan retention)
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
  • Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Wisconsin; J.D., DePaul University
  • Bar admission: Admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2005

Experience and public service

Before joining the bench, Dickler worked as an assistant state's attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Her roles included the Felony Review Unit, the Grand Jury, Sex and Homicide Unit, and the Felony Trial Division. She served in the Felony Trial Division as of 2013, according to For What It's Worth, a legal blog that compiled candidate data during the 2020 primary.

Dickler has also served as a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is a member of the junior board of the Chicago Lighthouse.

On the issues

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

Endorsements

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

  • Illinois State Bar Association — rated Qualified, citing criminal trial experience, legal knowledge, temperament, organization and impartiality
  • Chicago Council of Lawyers — rated Qualified, citing legal ability, integrity, professionalism and preparation
  • Chicago Bar Association — rated Qualified, citing extensive experience, legal knowledge, fairness and excellent demeanor
  • Chicago Federation of Labor — endorsed
  • Chicago Tribune — endorsed
  • Then-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot — endorsed

Endorsement and rating information is drawn from a producer-reviewed legal blog compiling 2020 primary data. No candidate questionnaire responses were available for this profile.