Democratic Chicago state's attorney candidates looking to replace Kim Foxx differ on plans to handle crime

Two Democratic candidates running for Cook County state’s attorney in Illinois have vastly different approaches to prosecuting retail and motor vehicle crimes, particularly those involving juveniles, as the Chicagoland area looks to find a replacement for Kim Foxx.

Foxx, who was praised by supporters for her work toward criminal justice reform and criticized by opponents for being soft on crime, announced in April 2023 that she would not seek reelection to the state’s attorney office. Illinois Appellate Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke and ex-prosecutor and corporate lobbyist Clayton Harris III are the two Democrats running in the March 19 primary to replace Foxx.