Michael J. Zink

Candidate for Judge of Cook County’s 20th Subcircuit,

to fill the vacancy of Associate Judge Haracz

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Meet Michael

After a lifetime of activism, community leadership, and wielding the power of the law to protect the most vulnerable, Michael Zink continues his passion for public service as a Judge in the 20th Subcircuit of Cook County. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024, Michael now serves in the First Municipal Division, presiding over civil matters. He is a uniquely progressive voice in the judiciary, boldly committed to rejecting the implicit bias rooted in our legal system. His deep understanding of the system’s disproportionate impact on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges informs his vision for a fairer, more compassionate court. Michael advocates for a legal system that delivers justice equally and offers meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.

Elected Official Endorsements

  • Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

  • Congressman Mike Quigley

  • IL State Senate President Don Harmon

  • 6th District State Senator Sara Feigenholtz

  • 12th District State Representative Margaret Croke

  • 11th District State Representative Ann Williams

  • 43rd Ward Alderperson Timmy Knudsen

  • 44th Ward Alderperson & Committeeperson Bennett Lawson

  • 46th Ward Alderperson Angela Clay

  • 48th Ward Alderperson & Committeeperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

  • 40th Ward Committeeperson Maggie O'Keefe

  • 43rd Ward Committeeperson Lucy Moog

  • 46th Ward Committeeperson Sean Tenner

Election Day = Best Birthday Ever! Don’t forget to vote by 7PM tonight at your local polling place (you can find your polling place at chicagoboardofelections.com) and to cast your vote to Michael J. Zink for Judge! Happy voting!
Hard to believe we're only four days out from Election Day. It's been the pleasure of a lifetime getting to meet and spend time with so many friends, neighbors and community leaders throughout the 20th subcircuit. I will be forever thankful for all t
Thank you to everyone who came out for my early birthday party last week! As many of you know, my birthday falls on Election Day (Tuesday, March 19th) and the best gift I can imagine is the opportunity to serve my community as Judge of the 20th subci
Only six days left to Election Day! I'm humbled by all the support I have seen so far and am excited by the possibility to represent the 20th subcircuit! Don't Forget to Punch #162 - Vote for Michael Zink!
Funnily enough, my birthday falls on Election Day this year. Since March 19th will be a bit busy, I'm throwing a party early! I hope you can join my campaign team and me for a celebration of this last year and the great adventures it's brought. RSVP
Huge thank you to the 40th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, Maggie O’Keefe, and the 40th Ward Dems for inviting me to knock doors with them last weekend. The 40th Ward may be a small portion of my subcircuit, but as Judge I would be called on t
🚨Endorsement Announcement🚨 Excited to announce that my Congresswoman and dear friend, Jan Schakowsky is officially on Team Zink! Congresswoman, thank you so much for all the support you've shown me over the years. You have taught me countless less
Beyond proud to have received PersonalPAC’s endorsement in my race for Judge of the 20th subcircuit!
🚨Endorsement Announcement🚨 So excited to have Representative Croke by my side on this journey! Margaret, you and your entire team have been so supportive of my campaign and I can't thank you enough! #chicagopolitics #chicago #judicialrace #lakevi
🚨Endorsement Announcement🚨 I can't find the words to express how thankful I am to Alderman Lawson not only for his endorsement, but also for his friendship. Bennett has offered invaluable support and I'm proud to have him by my side on this journe

Want to reach out? Email us at erika@orangehatinnovation.com