Michael W. Fleming, a Republican from Elmhurst, is running for a DuPage County circuit court judge seat in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Fleming seeks the 18th Judicial Circuit's 4th Subcircuit bench, an open seat known as the Wilson Vacancy. He faces Democrat Christina Kye. The 18th Judicial Circuit covers DuPage County, including Naperville, so the race will appear on local ballots.
Fleming won the Republican primary on March 17, 2026, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. His campaign website says he has more than 40 years of professional legal experience in DuPage County courtrooms, spanning roles as a prosecutor, trial lawyer and judge.
Candidate information
- Name: Michael W. Fleming
- Party: Republican
- Office sought: Circuit court judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, 4th Subcircuit (Wilson Vacancy)
- Residence: Elmhurst, Illinois
- Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in finance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1981 (claimed by the candidate)
- Professional credential: Certified public accountant since 1981 (claimed by the candidate)
- Campaign committee: Friends of Michael W. Fleming, 360 W. Butterfield Road, Ste. 300, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Experience and public service
Fleming's career spans several roles in DuPage County's legal system, according to his campaign website.
He began as an assistant state's attorney in the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office in 1985, a prosecutorial role that marked the start of his courtroom career. He later opened the Law Offices of Michael W. Fleming, where he handled private practice and trial work. The campaign lists 2019 as the year associated with that practice, though it does not specify whether that is a start or end date.
In March 2019, Fleming became an associate judge on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County. He has also served as a criminal justice instructor at the College of DuPage, though no dates were provided for that role.
Fleming became a certified public accountant in 1981, the same year he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, according to his campaign website.
On the issues
Fleming did not submit responses to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire. No specific policy positions beyond his general professional background were available at the time of publication. Naperville voters seeking more detail on his judicial philosophy or priorities can contact his campaign committee at the address listed above.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Naper Today questionnaire if they were provided.
