Eileen O’Neill Burke Wins Cook County State’s Attorney Race

Democrat Burke succeeds Kim Foxx, pledges to adjust reform policies amid crime concerns.

Eileen O’Neill Burke, a former prosecutor and appellate judge, defeated Republican Bob Fioretti in the Cook County State’s Attorney election.
Burke plans to modify some of Kim Foxx’s progressive reforms, focusing on stricter prosecution of certain crimes like gun possession and retail theft.
Fioretti, who switched from the Democratic to Republican Party, emphasized a tough-on-crime approach but struggled with Trump’s unpopularity in Cook County.
Burke faced criticism over her past prosecution of an 11-year-old Black boy, impacting her support in majority Black wards, but she maintained her focus on reform.
The election lacked significant controversy or media blitzes, with Burke receiving substantial backing from business leaders and carrying most of Cook County.