Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, who was appointed almost a year ago to fill a vacancy, has declared her candidacy for a full 10-year term on the esteemed court. Holder White made history as the first Black female justice on the Illinois Supreme Court when she was unanimously approved by the court on July 7, following the retirement of Justice Rita B. Garman.
Before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Holder White served as a judge on the Fourth District Appellate Court since 2013, bringing valuable experience and legal expertise to her role. Her career in the judiciary began in 2001 when she was sworn in as an associate judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. She later ascended to the position of circuit judge, with a notable tenure as the supervising judge of the criminal law division from 2008 to 2013. Prior to her judgeships, Holder White worked as an assistant state's attorney and assistant public defender in Macon County.
The Fourth District of the Illinois Supreme Court comprises 41 counties, including Sangamon and Morgan. The primary election is scheduled for March 19, followed by the general election on November 5, 2024.