DuPage County Circuit Judge Margaret “Peggy” O’Connell is the Democratic candidate for the Illinois Appellate Court’s 3rd District McDade vacancy in the November 3, 2026, general election.
She faces Republican Jason A. Helland, according to the official DuPage County sample ballot.
O’Connell also appears in a separate yes-or-no retention question for her current circuit court seat. Voters should distinguish that question from this contested appellate election.
Experience and approach
On her campaign qualifications page, O’Connell says she was elected to the DuPage circuit court in 2020 and serves as presiding judge of the Felony Division.
She describes experience in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, private practice, criminal defense and family law. She also lists guardian ad litem work and service as an alternate Illinois Courts Commission member. Her campaign presents that range of experience as preparation for judicial work.
Attorney assessment
The Illinois State Bar Association judicial evaluation rates O’Connell Recommended for the appellate position. The association’s rating represents its own assessment of judicial qualifications.
No submitted Surround Sound Media questionnaire response is recorded for O’Connell.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
