"I know that an EQUAL justice requires fairness to everybody. I also know that a SAFER Chicago depends on a justice system that takes ALL of us into account. I believe that we deserve a Chicago where equal justice and safe communities go hand in hand."

John is the ONLY candidate in the race to receive a 100% LIFETIME RATING from PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF ILLINOIS because of his proven record as long-time supporter of a woman's right to choice and to control her healthcare decisions, His unwavering record also earned him the endorsement of Personal PAC, Illinois' leading reproductive rights advocacy group.

John has also been at the forefront of key issues impacting women including passing the Equal Pay Act + Paid Family Leave Act.  John hasn't fought for these issues simply because he's the proud dad of a daughter; he's done it because it's the right thing to do.

After graduating law school, John was named an Illinois Assistant Attorney General representing taxpayers in state + federal courts.

At the age of 32, John was elected State Representative where he was named Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, conducting and overseeing hundreds of laws affecting all of our everyday lives.

John was also an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, teaching an upper-level class on lawmaking in Illinois.

Shootings. Carjackings. Robberies. Across Chicago, crime is out of control. John has spent his career fighting to make our neighborhoods safer including passing legislation creating stiffer penalties for gun crimes.

John's efforts to keep us safe led to the Illinois State Crime Commission naming him Democratic Leader of the Year.

As a Cook County Commissioner, John introduced legislation, supported by the University of Chicago Crime Lab, to create a Gun Court that would make it faster to handle gun offenses and would keep repeat offenders from quickly getting back out on our streets.

For years, John worked with the late Rep. Larry McKeon, Sen. Carol Ronen and Equality Illinois to pass legislation amending the Illinois Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

John was also the Chief Sponsor of the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003 which strengthened laws against discrimination obased on race or national origin.  

John knows that accessible social services can often keep people out of our legal system. That's why he helped pass laws increasing funding for initiatives including mental health treatment and drug addiction + recovery assistance to homelessness prevention and after-school programs.

Because justice doesn't just take place in a courtroom.

John was raised by his immigrant mother and was the first person in his family to go to college. His background and experiences led John to a life of public service.

John has lived in the 8th Subcircuit since he was a child and even now, lives a mile from where he grew up. It's his passion for our community that drives his desire to become a judge.