PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) – An at-large Peoria City Council member is the apparent winner of an election to a judgeship once held by his uncle.
Tuesday night, Democrat Mike Vespa had 52.6% of the vote, and Republican incumbent Tim Cusack had 47.4%. Vespa declared victory in a statement Tuesday night.
“I just want to thank all of my friends, family, and supporters. I can’t wait to continue my career in public service from the bench. Thank you, Peoria!”
The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Cusack to serve as resident judge in 2024 after the retirement of Republican Judge John P. Vespa, who is Mike Vespa’s uncle.
25News spoke with both candidates before Tuesday’s judicial election.
Before becoming judge, Cusack spent 23 years working as a prosecutor, public defender and private attorney.
“That experience is not something that you pick up out of a book, and it’s not something that you just pick up because you happen to have a law degree.”
Vespa has practiced law for 17 years, including eight years as public defender. He is a private attorney now in addition to his service on the city council.
He was elected to the council in 2023, but he decided not to run for reelection next year. Vespa said his legal experience and time in local government has prepared him to make difficult decisions.
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