Jason Helland, a Republican circuit court judge in LaSalle County, is running for a seat on the Illinois Appellate Court's Third District.

The position is open because of the McDade vacancy.

Helland faces Democrat Margaret O'Connell in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Helland is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

  • Name: Jason Helland
  • Party: Republican
  • Birthplace: Ottawa, Illinois
  • Education: High school diploma, Seneca High School (1994); associate's degree in law enforcement, Joliet Junior College (1996); bachelor's degree in political science, University of St. Francis (1999); J.D., John Marshall Law School (2003)
  • Bar admission: Illinois, 2003

Experience and public service

Helland has served as a circuit court judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court, LaSalle County, since 2022, according to the Illinois State Bar Association.

Before taking the bench, he was elected state's attorney in Grundy County in 2012, according to Ballotpedia. He also worked as an attorney in Kankakee County starting in 2004 and served as adjunct faculty at the University of St. Francis from 2006 to 2013.

Off the bench, Helland helped establish the Grundy County Mental Health Court. He has served on the boards of Grundy Three Rivers Habitat for Humanity and Breaking Away Inc. He has also coached in a local soccer club and YMCA basketball.

Endorsements

The ISBA rated him "Recommended."

Attorneys described Helland as compassionate and fair and noted his professionalism and promptness, according to the ISBA's evaluation for the Third District appellate court seat.

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Naper Today questionnaire if they were provided.