The Illinois Supreme Court has tabbed Logan County State’s Attorney Jonathan Wright to serve as a circuit judge in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
Wright will fill the vacancy created by circuit judge Thomas Harris’ election to the Fourth District Appellate Court.
“Jonathan is highly regarded in the community as the state’s attorney and a former state legislator,” Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita Garman said. “He was rated as exceptionally well qualified by the screening committee. He will do a wonderful job hearing and deciding cases in Logan County.”
The appointment begins on Jan. 7, 2019, and lasts for 23 months. The seat will be up for election in November 2020.
Wright has served as Logan County’s top prosecutor since 2012 when he was first elected. He previously served as assistant state’s attorney and served one term in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2000 to 2002.
Wright also served as an assistant attorney general with the Illinois attorney general's office and worked for several years in private practice, according to a statement from the Illinois Supreme Court.
"I am honored and humbled by the appointment. I want to thank Justice Garman and the Supreme Court for their confidence in my selection," Wright said. "I really look forward to serving the people of Logan County."
The state's high court recently filled two associate judge vacancies in McLean County.
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit covers McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan and Woodford counties.
Circuit judges are paid $198,000 in Illinois.
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