Kay Steffen
Kay Steffen (Democratic Party) was a judge for the 13th Subcircuit of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois. Steffen assumed office in 2018. Steffen left office on December 2, 2024.
Steffen (Democratic Party) ran for election for the 13th Subcircuit judge of the Cook County Judicial Circuit Court in Illinois. Steffen won in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Steffen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
General election
General election for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit
Kay Steffen defeated Gary Seyring in the general election for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kay Steffen (D)  | 55.4 | 65,570 | |
| Gary Seyring (R) | 44.6 | 52,737 | ||
| Total votes: 118,307 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit
Kay Steffen advanced from the Democratic primary for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit on March 20, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Kay Steffen | 100.0 | 25,762 | |
| Total votes: 25,762 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit
Gary Seyring defeated Susanne Groebner in the Republican primary for Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit on March 20, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Gary Seyring | 58.3 | 10,987 | |
 | Susanne Groebner | 41.7 | 7,856 | |
| Total votes: 18,843 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Selection method
- See also: Partisan elections
There are 513 judges on the Illinois Circuit Court, each elected in partisan elections to six-year terms. Upon the completion of these terms, judges who wish to continue serving must compete in uncontested, nonpartisan retention elections.[1]
The chief judge of each circuit court is selected by peer vote; he or she serves in that capacity indefinitely.[1]
The circuit courts are also served by 391 associate judges, who are limited in that they may not preside over cases in which the defendant is charged with a felony (an offense punishable by one or more years in prison). Associate judges are appointed to four-year terms by circuit judges.[2][1]
Midterm vacancies are filled by Illinois Supreme Court appointment.[1]
Qualifications
To serve on this court, a judge must be:[1]
- a U.S. citizen;
- a circuit/county resident; and
- licensed to practice law in Illinois.
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kay Steffen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Steffen's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
To listen to people To treat everyone with dignity and respect To make sure People can afford justice i.e. It is currently very expensive and nearly impossible for people to afford good legal services
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Domestic Violence Making sure things like a simple speeding ticket does not cost someone a fortune. To make sure the courts are not revenue generators for our government. Help young people stay out of jail and get educated so they can have a chance a life. Help people with mental illness and addictions find good help to overcome or treat their problems.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to past and present leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama who have been brave enough to tackle important and sometimes unfair laws that deprive people of their freedoms and prevent them from leading productive lives. I revere many scientist including female scientist such as Marie Curie who forged ahead in life to selflessly make lives better for everyone. I respect Michael Jordon because I have many beautiful memories with my father watching him play for the Bulls.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I love the music of Cat Stevens. I also love the song "Let your soul be your pilot" by Sting.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty Selflessness Ability to listen to others and not think they are smarter and better then others.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I try to understand people and where they are coming from. As a judge you must avoid the arrogance that come sneak in when you wear a black robe and people rise when you walk into your courtroom. I appreciate how amazing our country is and understand that we have great opportunity to be successful through hard work. This helps me be a good judge because I want to uphold the laws and values that our nation stands for. Having said that I seen firsthand as a judge and a prosecutor how many people have been forgotten or victimized by our system. The purpose of courts is to make sure that our laws help everyone find justice when they need it. Justice should be affordable and not just for the rich and powerful.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To serve others, not yourself and yours friends. To be apolitical.
What legacy would you like to leave?
That I left this world a better and fairer place then the one I was born into.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Vietnam War. The fear of nuclear war during the cold war years.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
McDonalds- Last two years of high school.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I paid the restaurant bill and sneaked out.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Halloween. Its about children having fun and lots of sweets, not just counting gifts. I love the fall colors and the costumes.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Elbow Room by James McPherson
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Wonderwomen
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My garden.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Michael Jackson's entire Thriller album
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Balancing life between work and family
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
Kindness, Compassion, Justice for all
Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Abraham Lincoln
Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
It is the most important thing after temperament.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this judicial position that you believe more people should be aware of?
Hate the silly fine and cost sheets where a small traffic ticket turns into a $500 hit on people's wallet. These fees keep changing and we have to figure out what is the mandatory law and what is discretionary.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
Yes. Asian American Bar Association: Recommended Black Women Lawyers Association: Recommended Chicago Bar Association: Qualified Chicago Council of Lawyers: Qualified Cook County Bar Association: Recommended Decalogue Society of Lawyers: Highly Recommended Chicago Bar Association / Qualified Ketki "Kay" Steffen is "Qualified" for the office of Circuit Court Judge. Judge Steffen was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and was first appointed to the Circuit Court in 2010. Judge Steffen served on the bench for two years and presided over traffic, civil and criminal domestic violence cases. From 2013 to November 2015, she served as an Administrative Law Judge Arbitrator for the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. Judge Steffen was reappointed to the Circuit Court in 2015 and is currently assigned to the First Municipal District where she presides over forcible detainer cases. Judge Steffen is diligent and highly regarded her knowledge of the law, judicial ability, and integrity. Illinois State Bar Association / Highly Qualified Ketki "Kay" Steffen has been licensed since 1991. In November 2015 she was appointed to the circuit court, assigned to the Third District, until December 2016. She is currently an arbitrator for the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission. She also served as a circuit court judge by appointment from 2010 – 2013 and was then appointed to be an Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Compensation Commission from 2013 – 2015. Before her original appointment to the bench, Ms. Steffen spent nineteen years with the State's Attorney's Office where she obtained extensive litigation experience. She is considered knowledgeable in a variety of areas of law and is highly regarded by attorneys who have appeared before her. Ms. Ketki Steffen is found to be Highly Qualified for election to the Circuit Court of Cook County. Hellenic Bar Association: Highly Qualified Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois: Qualified Illinois State Bar Association: Highly Qualified Lesbian and Gay Bar Association: Highly Recommended Puerto Rican Bar Association: Recommended Women's Bar Association of Illinois: Recommended Chicago Council of Lawyers / Qualified Ketki "Kay" Steffen was admitted to practice in 1991. She was appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2015 and served until December 2016. She was a career Assistant State's Attorney for Cook County. She reports being lead counsel in 30 trials that have gone to a jury verdict and over 500 that have gone to a bench verdict. She has litigated 13 cases on appeal. Ms. Steffen is reported to have good legal ability and temperament. She enjoys a reputation as a trusted and experienced criminal law litigator. The Council finds her Q
Do you believe that the Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge's ability?
Yes, for the most part. There is also politics in this but because there are so many people making decisions, it turns out fair in the end.
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I live in the area and want to serve and protect the people that are in my community
If you are not a sitting judge, do you have previous judicial experience? Do you believe it's important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?
Yes I have served as Judge in the past for 4 years with Cook County. I also serve as an Administrative Law Judge for Worker's Comp. Commission currently.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
Yes but it is not necessary. However one must have trial and courtroom experience for many years. I have done civil and criminal cases, bench and jury trials and have practiced law for over 26 years.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
It is very expensive and therefore not accessible. I am terrified of privatization of Jails. Then putting people in jail will simply become a business. I also do not like PACs interfering in Judicial elections when they do not like a judge for personal or professional reasons. I do not like that judges have to wear a party label and become politicians to win their elections.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
The ability and the strength to change and mold the view of our society so it treats everyone fairly and does not discriminate against the young, old, poor and lesser educated citizens. This is the Court systems greatest strength, TO DO WHAT IS FAIR AND RIGHT, NOT JUST POPULAR.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
No.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
| Local courts | Illinois | Other local coverage |
|---|---|---|
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External links
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Candidate Cook County Circuit Court 13th Subcircuit |
Footnotes
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Federal courts:
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois
State courts:
Illinois Supreme Court • Illinois Appellate Court • Illinois Circuit Court
State resources:
Courts in Illinois • Illinois judicial elections • Judicial selection in Illinois
