Sangamon County State's Attorney Daniel Wright has been appointed as a Seventh Judicial Circuit Associate Judge.
Wright, 44, steps into the position left vacant following the passing of Associate Judge Matt Maurer.
Wright expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sangamon County as State's Attorney, highlighting the privilege of working with dedicated public servants and citizens. "I thank the people of Sangamon County for the opportunity to serve them as State's Attorney for the last five years. Our community has navigated unprecedented challenges in that period and it has been the honor of a lifetime to work through each of them in collaboration with countless dedicated public servants, tireless advocates, and engaged citizens. The attorneys and staff of the Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office are among the most able and committed public servants I have ever known. I am so grateful to have served with and learned from each of them."
Wright began in the State's Attorney's office in 2016 as a felony assistant state's attorney, swiftly climbing the ranks to first assistant state's attorney in 2017. Wright was appointed State's Attorney in 2018, succeeding John Milhiser, and in 2020, defended his position against Democratic challenger Mike Drake.
Six other candidates had sought the associate judge position: Andrew Affrunti, Montgomery County state's attorney; Rex Gradeless; Abby L. Sgro: Ali Nicole Mikels; Kateah M. McMasters; and Lorelei G. Nickols;
The Sangamon County Board is now tasked with appointing an interim State's Attorney; Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter has indicated his intention to nominate John Milhiser to fill the vacancy at the November 14th meeting.
In a statement, Chairman Van Meter said, "John is the obvious choice to fill the vacancy. Having previously served as State’s Attorney from 2010 to 2018, he is more than qualified for the position and is well respected by all those in our criminal justice system, and in the community on whole. John overwhelmingly won election as State’s Attorney two times, showing strong and wide-spread support from the residents of Sangamon County."