In a significant shift for one of the nation’s largest court systems, Cook County Circuit Court judges have elected Charles Beach as their new Chief Judge, ending the 24-year tenure of Timothy Evans. The vote, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, saw Beach secure victory over Evans with a tally of 144 to 109, marking the first time in decades that the county’s judiciary has seen such a change in leadership.
A Decisive Election for Judicial Leadership
The election, conducted by fellow circuit court judges, was the culmination of a campaign that highlighted a desire for new direction within the Cook County court system. Judge Charles Beach, a circuit judge since 2017 and formerly a criminal defense attorney, emerged victorious after a vote held at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago. His three-year term is set to commence on December 1, 2025, ushering in a new era for the administration of justice across the county.
Farewell to a Trailblazer: The Legacy of Timothy Evans
Timothy Evans, 82, steps down after an unprecedented 24-year run as Chief Judge, a position he held since 2001. His long tenure was marked by numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing the court system and promoting reform. Under his leadership, Cook County courts implemented a new pretrial system following the statewide elimination of cash bail through the Pretrial Fairness Act. Evans’ office also took responsibility for managing the county’s electronic monitoring system. He is credited with launching a new Domestic Violence Courthouse and establishing divisions dedicated to elder law cases, reflecting a commitment to addressing diverse societal needs. His career also included a significant period as a Chicago alderman before becoming a judge.
Charting the Future with Chief Judge Charles Beach
As the incoming Chief Judge, Charles Beach will assume responsibility for court policy and the assignment of nearly 400 judges across the Cook County court system. Beach, 55, brings a background as a trial attorney and most recently served in the Law Division. His supporters and commentators have noted the election signaled a desire among judges for a leader attuned to contemporary challenges, including technological advancements and evolving societal dynamics within the legal landscape. The outcome was described by some observers as a surprise, given Evans’ long-standing command of the position.
Implications for Chicago’s Justice System
The transition represents a substantial change for the Cook County judiciary, which oversees more than one million cases annually and manages a significant budget and a large workforce. The Chief Judge’s role is pivotal, influencing court culture, judicial assignments, and the administration of justice for the 5.2 million residents of Cook County and its surrounding suburbs. This news is a significant development for the Chicago legal community and impacts how justice is administered in one of the nation’s most populous urban centers. The editorial implicit in the original headline points to the judiciary’s internal decision-making process as a key factor in this leadership change.
A New Chapter Begins
The election of Charles Beach signifies a pivotal moment for the Cook County Circuit Court. While Timothy Evans leaves behind a legacy of extensive service and reform, the judiciary now looks to new leadership to navigate the complexities of the modern legal system and continue serving the diverse population of Chicago and its surrounding areas.
