Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor Endorses Judge Patrick G. King

For immediate release

MADISON COUNTY, Ill.— Friends of Patrick King today announced the personal endorsement of Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor in Judge Patrick G. King's campaign for Circuit Judge. The announcement is being shared as part of the campaign's ongoing effort to give Madison County voters access to endorsement statements, candidate information, and public source references in one place.

“Judge Patrick King has the integrity, experience, and commitment to serve our community.”

Connor is identified by the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Illinois Sheriffs' Association directory as Madison County Sheriff. His title is listed here for identification only; this release describes his personal endorsement and does not state or imply endorsement by Madison County, the Sheriff's Office, any county department, or any governmental body.

Connor cites integrity, legal knowledge, and fair courts

In his endorsement, Connor points to more than four decades in law enforcement and his service to Madison County residents. He writes that true public safety requires not only strong law enforcement, but also a judicial system grounded in integrity, legal knowledge, and commitment to the law.

Connor's letter states that Judge King has demonstrated the qualities he believes Madison County needs on the bench: fairness, adherence to the Constitution, respect for the law, and the temperament to prepare thoroughly, act impartially, and administer justice efficiently and equitably.

Campaign statement

The campaign said the endorsement reflects themes it has presented throughout Judge King's website: judicial integrity, courtroom preparation, experience in Madison County, and a commitment to treating all parties with dignity and respect. The campaign has described Judge King as a sitting Circuit Judge serving in Madison County and has pointed voters to his background in private practice, civil litigation, local legal service, and bar association leadership.

Judge King was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2025 to serve as a resident Circuit Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit. His campaign materials state that he is seeking election in 2026 to continue serving on the bench.

About the endorsement

The endorsement graphic released by the campaign features Connor and Judge King alongside the statement that Judge King has “the integrity, experience, and commitment to serve our community.” The campaign is also publishing the endorsement on its endorsement page so voters can review it with other public campaign materials.

This campaign release does not address any pending matter, forecast any courtroom outcome, or suggest how Judge King would rule in any case. It is an endorsement announcement focused on the public statement and the campaign's existing background materials.

About Judge Patrick G. King

According to the campaign website, Judge King is a Madison County resident and sitting Circuit Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit. The campaign describes his professional background as including private legal practice, civil litigation, work with individuals, families, local businesses, and municipal clients, and leadership in local bar organizations before joining the bench.

Connor's endorsement specifically references Judge King's Madison County roots and his experience as both an attorney and a sitting Circuit Judge. The campaign said that message is consistent with its broader case to voters: that Judge King brings local understanding, courtroom preparation, and steady service to the bench.

About Friends of Patrick King

Friends of Patrick King is the campaign committee supporting Judge Patrick G. King's 2026 campaign for Circuit Judge. The Illinois State Board of Elections lists Friends of Patrick King as an active political committee supporting Patrick King's candidacy.