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Buying Time 2022 – Illinois

This page features Illinois Supreme Court television advertisements from the 2022 election cycle.

Published: September 12, 2022

The terms of three Illinois Supreme Court justices, Mary Jane Theis (D), Michael Burke (R), and Robert Carter (D), will expire in 2022. Justice Mary Jane Theis is up for retention election on November 8, 2022. Justice Michael Burke will compete in a partisan election on November 8, 2022, against Mary O’Brien (D). Elizabeth Rochford (D) will compete against Mark Curran (R) in a partisan election to fill the seat vacated by Justice Robert Carter, who is not seeking re-election.

Kantar Media/CMAG: Estimated Total TV Spending: $5,189,820*

  • Estimated spending by Mary O’Brien: $1,343,010
  • Estimated spending by All for Justice: $1,460,220
  • Estimated spending by Citizens for Judicial Fairness: $1,154,860
  • Estimated spending by Elizabeth Rochford: $713,880
  • Estimated spending by Fair Courts America: $423,210
  • Estimated spending for Personal PAC: $92,380
  • Estimated spending by Mark Curran: $2,260

*Spending figures last updated November 7, 2022.


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November 6 – IL Curran Outsider

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mark Curran, an independent outside on the Supreme Court who isn’t beholden to corrupt political bosses. Let’s end business as usual in Illinois.”

Sponsor: Mark Curran

Estimated Spending: $2,260


October 31– IL Personal PAC Backed by Extremists 15

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Michael Burke, backed by extremists who’d ban abortion, no exceptions, not even for a ten-year-old rape victim… Justice Mary Kay O’Brien: protecting victims, prosecuting criminals.”

Sponsor: Personal PAC

Estimated Spending: $92,380


October 29 – IL CJF Madigan’s Machine

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mary Kay O’Brien is relying on Madigan’s machine to fund her campaign for supreme court. But that’s not the worst decision she’s made. As a judge, Mary Kay O’Brien threw out the conviction of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 20-month old girl.”

Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness

Estimated Spending: $281,450


October 29 – IL Rochford At Stake

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “The Illinois Supreme Court is at stake, and Mark Curran is lying about Elizabeth Rochford. She’s never even met Mike Madigan.”

Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford 

Estimated Spending: $195,310


October 26 – IL All for Justice All Comes Down

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “It all comes down to this seat. It won’t matter who’s governor or who controls Springfield. The Justice in this seat on the Illinois Supreme Court will decide if abortion remains legal in Illinois.”

Sponsor: All Comes Down

Estimated Spending: $234,790


October 25 – IL Fair Courts America Out of Control

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “We got out of control prices, crime, and taxes. Elizabeth Rochford got a sweetheart judgeship for her loyalty to the Madigan machine, making her rich. Now, those same interests are bankrolling her campaign because she’ll be a rubber stamp for their agenda.”

Sponsor: Fair Courts America

Estimated Spending: $423,210


October 21 – IL Rochford My First

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Experience is important, and that’s true for supreme court too. Mark Curran has no experience as a judge and is rated 'not recommended’ by the Illinois Bar Association.”

Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford 

Estimated Spending: $174,990


October 18 – IL CJF Dangerous

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mary Kay O’Brien is dangerous. But Justice Michael Burke is tough on crime.”

Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness

Estimated Spending: $416,540


October 18 – IL O’Brien Lying About Me

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, Mary O’Brien says, “my opponent, Mike Burke, and his extreme supporters are lying about me to cover up their anti-women agenda.”

Sponsor: Mary O’Brien

Estimated Spending: $464,600


October 12 – IL All for Justice Complicated

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Mark Curran and Michael Burke want to criminalize abortion in Illinois, and they’ll get that chance if they’re elected to the state supreme court.”

Sponsor: All for Justice

Estimated Spending: $578,370


October 5 – IL CJF Corrupt Madigan Cronies

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Madigan’s machine is trying to put Mary Kay O’Brien and Elizabeth Rochford on the Supreme Court”

Sponsor: Citizens for Judicial Fairness

Estimated Spending: $456,870


October 4 – IL Rochford Position

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “With over ten years as a judge, Elizabeth Rochford will protect our rights.”

Sponsor: Elizabeth Rochford

Estimated Spending: $343,580


October 1 – IL All for Justice One Seat

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a woman says, “Mark Curran and Michael Burke want to ban abortion in Illinois even in cases of rape and incest.”

Sponsor: All for Justice

Estimated Spending: $647,060


September 27 – IL O’Brien Roe v. Wade

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “This state supreme court race will decide who controls our court. Mike Burke says he agrees with the decision to overturn Roe.

Sponsor: Mary O’Brien

Estimated Spending: $427,650


September 9 – IL O’Brien Rise

Stream video (QT)

In this ad, a voiceover says, “Now with Roe v. Wade being overturned, women’s freedom to choose in Illinois is at risk. Justice O’Brien is endorsed by Personal PAC and other pro-choice groups.”

Sponsor: Mary O’Brien

Estimated Spending: $450,760