From Subcircuit 3 judicial candidate Justin Hansen:

Judge Hansen Wins Politically-Motivated Petition Challenge

“My opponents in this race are running politically-motivated campaigns, while I’m focused on serving our community with integrity.”

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – The McHenry County Electoral Board ruled Wednesday that Judge Hansen’s 1,400+ petition signatures are valid, denying his objector’s politically-motivated challenge to remove Judge Hansen from the March 17th ballot.

Questions have arisen in the community as to who was behind this challenge.

The objector alleged that there was confusion in nominating papers about the office being sought but only challenged Judge Hansen and Donald Brewer, not Mary McClellan or Jeannie Ridings.

While the objector claimed to be a concerned citizen, wanting to follow the rules, she was previously a Democratic Committeeperson and her attorney was a well-known Democratic election attorney [Ed Mullen].

Whether or not the objector was working in concert with Judge Hansen’s opponents, it is clear that Judge Hansen has become the top target as the sitting judge with significant support among voters and the legal community.

“Whether this was done by opponents on the Democrat or Republican side, it’s unfortunate this race is becoming politically-charged. Politics has no place in the courtroom or in a judicial campaign,” said Judge Hansen

“We beat this challenge, as I knew we would

“But judicial elections should not be an invitation to advance politics, issues or selfish ambition.

“Instead they should be focused on important qualities like integrity, humility, and dedication to the community.”

Judge Hansen was made aware of the discrepancies in both of his opponents’ nominating papers during the objection period, but he refused to file a challenge against his opponents.

“It comes down to the fact that as a judge, it’s about integrity, not politics. I will run my campaign to retain my position as McHenry County Circuit Judge with integrity no matter how low my opponents stoop,” Judge Hansen said.

“The voters of the Third Subcircuit will see right through this political charade. I trust they will elect the candidate who has shown integrity and true dedication to serving our community.”

The Electoral Board gave its decision orally yesterday after considering written briefs and oral arguments. It is scheduled to issue written findings in early January, 2020.  

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About Judge Justin Hansen: Judge Justin Hansen is a dedicated community servant from unincorporated Crystal Lake who serves with integrity as McHenry County Circuit Court Judge. Prior to his service as a judge, Judge Hansen was an accomplished prosecutor and experienced attorney with over a decade of experience in the law. He has served the community through Habitat for Humanity, InterVarsity, and the Task Force on Family Violence. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Senior Care Volunteer Network and Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. A graduate of Augustana College, he earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University.