Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride Deserves Retention on Illinois' Highest Court

IFT members in North Central Illinois are urged to vote to retain Justice Tom Kilbride on the Illinois Supreme Court in the 3rd Judicial District. Kilbride has earned the endorsement of the IFT and Illinois AFL-CIO for his longtime record of support for education, public employees and organized labor on legal issues important to IFT members and all workers.

The Illinois Supreme Court makes critical decisions on matters that often directly impact IFT members and their families, including pension protections and the scheduled statewide legislative remap. It is critical to ensure that fair and reasonable members like Justice Tom Kilbride have a voice and vote in those important decisions.

What is Judicial "Retention?"

Unlike races for other state offices, incumbent Illinois Supreme Court justices must run for “retention” every 10 years. Justices do not face opposition in retention races. On the November 2 ballot, voters will see only Justice Kilbride’s name and the choice “yes” or “no.” In order to be retained, Kilbride must receive at least 60 percent “yes” votes.

As an incumbent up for retention, Justice Tom Kilbride’s name will appear near the end of the ballot. Be sure to review the entire ballot, then cast a “yes” vote to retain IFT-endorsed Justice Kilbride to this critical seat on the Illinois Supreme Court.

More About Justice Tom Kilbride

  • Serves in the 3rd Judicial District, which covers 21 counties including Bureau, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Kankakee, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Putnum, Rock Island, Stark, Tazwell, Warren, Whiteside and Will.

  • Has a common sense approach to legal decisions and a history of providing fair hearings on educator and public employee issues. Established a “Judicial Education Program” to help thousands of students learn about how the court system works and its role in our democracy. Is a lifelong resident of the 3rd District, born in LaSalle, raised in Kankakee, and currently resides in Rock Island. He practiced law in the Quad Cities and has a strong background in education and labor.

  • Is dedicated to community service and has provided legal counsel for a food bank. Justice Kilbride was also a charter leader of an interfaith council.

  • Has received numerous recognitions and awards, including the Illinois State Crime Commission 2010 Judicial Award of Excellence, the 2009 “Judge of the Year” award by the American Board of Trial Advocates Illinois and the 2010 Rock Island County NAACP Justice Image Award.