Jason A. Helland
Republican
Biography
Jason A. Helland appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Judge of the Appellate Court, 3rd Judicial District (vacancy of Hon. Mary W. McDade), per the county clerk's certified November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Kankakee County, Illinois
Judge of the Appellate Court, 3rd Judicial District (vacancy of Hon. Mary W. McDade)
Kankakee County, Illinois
Judge of the Appellate Court, 3rd Judicial District (vacancy of Hon. Mary W. McDade)
2 candidates are tracked for Judge of the Appellate Court, 3rd Judicial District (vacancy of Hon. Mary W. McDade) on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Jason A. Helland and Margaret "Peggy" O'Connell. Candidate information follows official Kankakee County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
About this race
Jason A. Helland is the Republican nominee and Margaret "Peggy" O'Connell is the Democratic nominee for the appellate vacancy left by the Hon. Mary W. McDade, per the county clerk's own master specimen ballot. The 3rd Appellate Judicial District covers Kankakee County and a multi-county region of northern Illinois; the same two nominees also appear on La Salle County's ballot for this seat. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
What this office does
Appellate or supreme court justice. Appellate judges review decisions of trial courts for legal error rather than retrying facts. A state supreme court is the final word on state law and the state constitution. Candidates may describe their experience and judicial philosophy but may not promise outcomes in particular cases.