Photo courtesy of Courtney Cox – candidate for 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge.
Benton, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Courtney Cox has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination to run for election as 2nd Circuit Judge in the March 2020 primary election.
Cox is a native Southern Illinoisan, husband, father, and grandfather.
Cox brings a long resume filled with diverse legal experience to the race.
“It is my honor and privilege to announce my run for 2nd Circuit Judge,” Cox said. “I was honored to serve the people of Southern Illinois as United States Attorney in the Bush administration. As U.S. Attorney, I was successful in focusing the resources of the law enforcement community on prosecuting illegal drug distribution, government corruption, child pornographers and other federal crimes.”
Cox graduated from the SIU School of Law in 1982 and has a broad range of legal experiences as an active attorney that will serve him well as judge.
Cox was sworn-in as U.S. Attorney in 2007 by the Federal District Court and served as the chief law enforcement officer and prosecutor for the Southern District of Illinois, working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement officials.
Under his leadership, the office successfully prosecuted the former Gallatin County Sheriff who was convicted of selling drugs while in office.
Cox says he is staunchly committed to the rule of law and upholding the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions.
Cox will rely on his experience as a prosecutor and private sector attorney to fairly serve every citizen of the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
“I bring a sober mind and a history of making sound judgments in applying the law to this race,” Cox said. “I would be honored to serve the people of Southern Illinois as 2nd Circuit Judge to continue my long-standing record of following the law. I look forward to a spirited, thoughtful campaign.”
Courtney has been married to his wife, Leslie, for 45 years.
They have four grown sons and five grandchildren.
They currently reside in Benton, where Cox practices as a private sector attorney.
Illinois’ 2nd Judicial Circuit encompasses Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties.
