Eleventh Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Kevin Fitzgerald announced Tuesday he plans to retire in 2018, creating a vacancy that voters will fill in next November’s general election.
Fitzgerald has been a judge since 2000 and chief judge for the Eleventh Circuit since 2014. Both his circuit judge and chief judge terms expire Dec. 2, 2018.
“I believe that next year will be the right time for myself, my family and the Eleventh Circuit for me to retire,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Court and the citizens of the Eleventh Circuit. By announcing my decision now, it will create a vacancy that can be filled by the voters in the 2018 election cycle.”
Fitzgerald was eligible to seek retention and re-election in 2018. He opted to retire instead. The Eleventh Circuit’s remaining judges will elect a new chief judge next December.
The Eleventh Circuit includes McLean, Woodford, Logan, Livingston, and Ford counties.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.
