Judge James Cowlin easily wins McHenry County 22nd Judicial Circuit judge race

James Cowlin comfortably held his position as McHenry County 22nd Judicial Circuit judge, defeating his challenger Assistant State’s Attorney Demetri Tsilimigras, according to unofficial election results.

As of Wednesday morning, all votes were counted except late provisional and mail-in ballots, McHenry County Clerk Mary McClellan said.

Cowlin had about 61 percent of votes and Tsilimigras had about 39 percent, according to the unofficial results. Cowlin had 28,316 votes to 17,843 for Tsilimigras.

“We worked hard in the campaign,” Cowlin said. “We ran an honest campaign. I’m proud of that. And I’m certainly delighted that the voters agreed with me and asked me to continue on.”

Cowlin, 59, was officially sworn in as the 22nd Judicial Circuit Judge in September after the Illinois Supreme Court appointed him to fill the remainder of retired Judge Gordon Graham’s term. Cowlin had been an associate judge since 2007.

Cowlin is a third-generation McHenry County judge and Crystal Lake resident. He was a lawyer from 1982 to 2007.

“I think the fact that I’ve got eight years experience under my belt certainly helps me and has prepared me for my role as a circuit judge,” Cowlin said.

Tsilimigras, 45, has been the deputy chief of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office Criminal Division for eight years.

Tsilimigras, of Cary, had previously worked as an assistant state’s attorney in Kane County.

Both support implementing cameras in the courtroom with some safeguards. Cowlin said he is in favor as long as there are set policies that protect jurors, minors and public safety concerns. Likewise, Tsilimigras said trial judges should have authority over video and audio recordings.

To improve courtroom efficiencies, Tsilimigras called for case management orders and deadlines on every case. Cowlin said a judge should set the tone early on in the case by holding case management conferences.

“I want to continue to work hard for the residents of McHenry County, and I would make that pledge that I would continue to give them my best,” Cowlin said.

Cowlin faces an uncontested race in the November election unless Democrats caucus in a candidate. The term is for six years.