Justice Mary K. O’Brien Kicks off Campaign for Illinois Supreme Court

Today Justice Mary Kay O’Brien was joined by supporters as she kicked off her campaign for the Supreme Court with three stops across the newly drawn Third District of the Illinois Supreme Court. She is the only announced Democrat in this race.

“I have spent my entire life trying to level the playing field for people whether as a consumer advocate, a lawyer, a legislator or now as a judge. Giving people a fair shot is often all someone needs to thrive,” said Justice O’Brien announcing her run.

The daughter of a union man, O’Brien’s father worked in the sheetmetal trade and used the wages and benefits that came with a union paycheck to level the playing field for their family. Her sister, Melinda, a retired teacher, her brother John and O’Brien are all first generation college graduates, able to thrive because of the financial stability in a union household.

“I know firsthand how important a fair, level playing field is. So it is fitting that today we start this campaign to make sure we give everyday citizens a fair shot in our courtrooms right here in this room,” said Justice O’Brien to the crowd at the Sheetmetal Workers Local 265 Hall.

O’Brien also laid out the stakes of the race.

“Every decision made by the Supreme Court impacts the lives of every citizen. That’s why it is so important to choose someone to represent you on the Illinois Supreme Court who shares the same values and perspective about fairness as you. My life experience and my judicial career have demonstrated time and again that I share your values, your sense of fairness and that I respect the views of all sides,” she concluded.