Terra Costa Howard is the Democratic candidate for the 18th Circuit’s 5th Subcircuit, Fullerton vacancy, in the November 3, 2026 general election. DuPage County’s official candidate listing lists no opposing candidate in this race.
Appointment and legal experience
The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Costa Howard to fill the vacancy created by Judge Paul Fullerton’s retirement, effective October 17, 2025. The court’s appointment announcement says the appointment ends December 7, 2026.
The announcement describes her work as a sole practitioner beginning in 2003, earlier service as a senior assistant in the DuPage County Public Defender’s Office, and employment as an 18th Circuit staff attorney from 1996 to 1998. She also served in the Illinois House, representing the 48th and then the 42nd District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her law degree at DePaul University.
Current judicial role
The court’s current roster lists Costa Howard in its Chancery Division. The 2026 joint judicial advisory poll rates her Recommended, reflecting participating lawyers’ assessments.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
