New chief judge elected in 19th Judicial Circuit

Diane E. Winter was elected chief judge by the circuit judges of the 19th Judicial Circuit, according to a news release from the Waukegan courthouse Monday.

Winter was appointed associate judge in July 2000 and named a circuit judge in December 2008.

"I will do my best to continue the excellence in leadership demonstrated by my predecessors," Winter said in a statement. "I look forward to working with my judicial peers, our justice partners, our county partners, and continuing to serve the people of Lake County."

Winter will begin her 1-year term as chief judge in January.

The news release also said that all 25 of the circuit court's associate judges who were up for re-election were retained. Each associate judge will serve an additional 4-year term from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2023.