Judge Long Announces Independent Candidacy

I am reaching out to you, the voters, to discuss an important issue regarding my candidacy. I have made the decision to run as an independent candidate in the General Election on November 3, 2026.

When I announced my candidacy to fill the vacancy of Chief Judge Raymond Cavanaugh, I did so with the understanding that nomination petitions for an established party would be due during the special judicial vacancy filing period (November 17 – November 24). Illinois law provides that any vacancy occurring after October 12, 2025, is eligible for the special judicial vacancy filing period, and Chief Judge Cavanaugh’s vacancy was announced and certified by the State Board of Elections on October 14, 2025.

However, the State Board of Elections took the position that Judge Cavanaugh’s vacancy was created on October 10, 2025, when he emailed the Illinois Supreme Court advising them of his retirement. This was not public information, and I relied upon the Board’s certification of the vacancy on October 14, 2025. Unfortunately, I was advised of the Board’s position after the deadline for the initial filing period had expired.

After consulting with my campaign advisers and legal counsel, and meeting with supporters throughout the Ninth Circuit, my team believed the best options were to file nomination petitions during the special judicial vacancy period or run as an independent candidate. It was clear that if I filed during the special judicial vacancy period, I would likely face objections to the nomination petitions and would have to take legal action against the State Board of Elections. What was not clear was whether any legal action would be successful and, even if it was successful, whether any legal action would be resolved prior to the General Primary Election in March. I also knew that if I was unsuccessful, my campaign would come to an end as I would then be unable to run as an independent candidate.

Throughout the process of determining the best direction forward and discussing the issue with my family, friends, and supporters, it became clear that I still had the support of those that had previously voiced their support and given endorsements, whether I ran as an established party candidate or an independent candidate. I quickly learned that what matters most to voters is that the best candidate fills this position. I agree.

Ultimately, I did not file petitions for an established party and will be running as an independent candidate. There will not be a candidate for the Cavanaugh vacancy on the primary ballot in March - there is no Democrat candidate, and a potential Republican candidate was removed from the ballot for failing to obtain the required number of signatures on their nomination petitions. Starting on February 25, 2026, volunteers will be circulating nomination petitions so that I can be placed on the ballot as an independent candidate for the General Election on November 3, 2026.

As a lifelong resident of the Ninth Circuit and a sitting judge, my concern is for the future of our community and the judiciary. I believe that the experience, integrity, work ethic, and overall qualifications of the candidate should be of the utmost importance.

There is nothing about this decision that changes who I am or what I stand for. This is the path forward.

I look forward to continuing this journey and earning your vote on November 3! Thank you for your continued support. It means the world to me.