Lake County Gazette

Sen. Dan McConchie released a statement in a news release on May 31 concerning Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx's choice to abstain from running for re-election.

"The people of Cook County should feel a bit of relief given today’s news that Kim Foxx is not seeking re-election as Cook County State’s Attorney," McConchie said. "Over the years, her skewed philosophy of the criminal justice system has been nothing more than a slap in the face to victims and further endangered residents, businesses and visitors of Chicagoland."

According to Ballotpedia, Kim Foxx assumed her position as Cook County State's Attorney on December 1, 2016. In the same year, she secured a victory over Christopher Pfannkuche, receiving 72.06% of the vote. Foxx pursued re-election in 2020 and emerged triumphant in the general election, surpassing Patrick W. O'Brien and Brian Dennehy.

During her tenure as the State's Attorney for Cook County, Kim Foxx has faced significant controversy. In 2021, a special prosecutor conducted an investigation into Foxx's handling of actor and singer Jussie Smollett's criminal case. Cook County reported that Smollett had initially reported an attack he claimed was a hate crime outside his Chicago apartment, but it was later revealed to be staged. Subsequently, Smollett faced six counts of disorderly conduct and was ultimately found guilty on five of those charges. Special Prosecutor Dan K. Webb examined the matter closely.

Webb found that there were "substantial abuses of discretion and operational failures by the [Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO)] in prosecuting and resolving the initial Smollett case." Another finding in the report was that "There were media reports that contained unauthorized leaks of police investigative information by CPD personnel that were in violation of the CPD’s written policies."

In April of this year, Foxx made public her decision not to run for re-election as the Cook County State's Attorney. ABC7 reported that she shared this announcement during an event held at the City Club of Chicago.

"I leave now with my head held high and my heart full, knowing that better days are ahead," Foxx said.

In March 2022, Foxx again found herself on the defense as crime in Chicago continued a 2-year surge. In its reporting on the situation, ABC7 quoted Foxx.

"We have approved 85 percent of the adult felonies that were presented to us by police," Foxx said.

While Kim Foxx claims that her office maintains a 75 percent conviction rate, there are critics who argue that she should be held accountable for her perceived involvement in the cycle of criminals entering and leaving the courthouse.

Continuing his statement in a news release on May 31, Senator McConchie expressed the following:

"Foxx has been an advocate for criminals instead of a prosecutor defending victims and ensuring public safety," McConchie said. "Now is the time to ensure that the next prosecutor is committed to the rule of law and will hold criminals accountable. We need a state’s attorney who will ensure the safety and well-being of both Chicago and all of Cook County."