Bryant for Circuit Judge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2026

Carissa Bryant to Seek Republican Nomination for Circuit Judge Through Write-In Candidacy

Macomb, IL – Attorney Carissa Ann Bryant has announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination for Circuit Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit through a write-in candidacy in the March 17 primary election. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties.

Bryant’s decision to pursue a write-in candidacy comes after efforts by political opponents prevented her name from appearing on the Republican primary ballot. As a result, Bryant will be the sole Republican option for voters seeking a qualified, experienced, and principled candidate for Circuit Judge. Republican voters who wish to support her candidacy must write her name on the ballot during the primary election.

“While I would have preferred a traditional path to the ballot, I believe voters deserve a Republican choice who is committed to fairness, integrity, and equal justice,” Bryant said. “I am undeterred and fully committed to earning the support of voters through direct outreach and engagement across the circuit.”

Bryant’s campaign is built on a clear and consistent platform that emphasizes treating every litigant fairly and equally, ensuring equal access to the justice system, and bringing broad legal experience to the bench. Her legal career includes extensive trial and appellate work across a wide range of practice areas, providing her with a deep understanding of how the justice system impacts individuals, families, and communities.

A lifelong resident of McDonough County, Bryant is a partner at Tucker, Hartzell & Bryant in Carthage, Illinois. Her practice includes contested family law matters, civil litigation, municipal representation, and appellate cases in the Third and Fourth Districts. She is also an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association and is serving her second term on the Standing Committee for Illinois Civil Practice and Procedure.

Bryant’s campaign will feature a strong and comprehensive voter outreach effort to educate Republican voters about the write-in process and share her vision for the 9th Judicial Circuit. She plans to engage voters throughout the six-county area through in-person events, community meetings, and direct communication.

“I am running to serve the people of western Illinois with fairness, respect, and impartiality,” Bryant said. “I am asking Republican voters to make their voices heard by writing in my name on March 17.”

Fantastic turn out tonight at the Hancock County Republican Central Committee candidate forum! Love seeing all of you getting involved in the process and taking steps to inform yourselves as to who is running for office and where they stand on the important issues that are facing all of us.
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Educating yourselves on the issues is one of the most important ways to effectuate real change. Thank you for having me!

Yesterday may have been the “official” day, but every day is law enforcement appreciation day in our family. The daily rollercoaster of emotions and worry is not a fun time, but the immense pride I feel for their daily sacrifice is worth it. 🖤💙🖤
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🚨 I want to share an important update with you directly.

My name will not appear on the Republican primary ballot for Illinois 9th Circuit Judge. A small number of petition signatures were disqualified for reasons beyond my control. While this is unfortunately not uncommon in the petition process, it left me just short of the required number of valid signatures.

I strongly disagree with this decision by state officials and am meeting with my attorney to review all available options.

Most importantly, I am not giving up.

I entered this race because I believe deeply in transparency, fair courts, and integrity in the justice system. That commitment remains. I’m grateful for your support and will continue fighting for the principles that brought me here.

More in the coming days!

The last of my yard signs until the next order comes in are at McDonough County Republicans Headquarters…but I also have 3x5’s for those who have been wanting those now that the ground is soft!

Each new year brings a fresh start and a new chance for opportunity. We cannot wait to see what 2026 has in store for us and we wish many blessings upon you and your families. ❤️ Thank you!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 🎄❤️✝️

Unseasonably warm weather means the ground is soft enough for more 3x5 signs to go up!
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This one was put up today - thank you Breklin Long for the picture!

Church, Christmas cookies, and Christmas movies! 🎄🎅🏼✝️
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I love the days leading up to Christmas and all of the traditions we share. This year instead of risking messing up the sugar cookies, I ordered them plain for the boys to decorate from Lucy Lou’s Cakes and they are delicious even without frosting!
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Wishing you all memorable days ahead that are filled with love and happiness. ❤️

The cutest Lincoln in Sciota township turned 7 years old today! We started our morning with our family tradition of a “donut cake” for breakfast and spent the day doing whatever he wanted, which ended up being watching movies and snuggling. 🥰
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Tonight I got the chance to talk with CM Webz Productions about my campaign and the issues that are important to me. Colin is such a bright kid and makes me excited for the future of our young leaders!
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Afterwards, I enjoyed speaking with voters and getting to know more people and let them get to know more about me and my beliefs and convictions. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, talking to people new and also familiar has been the most rewarding part of this journey! Thank you Josh Higgins for inviting me to speak tonight.

I had two hearings this morning and then I was lucky enough to sneak off to St. Paul School for the boys’ Christmas parties in the afternoon!
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I signed up for the craft for both classes, so I brought (their great) Granny in for reinforcements! The kids were so surprised and it was a big help so I could float back and forth between classrooms. We are so lucky to have my Granny and blessed she is able to be so active in her great-grandchildren’s lives. ❤️
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It’s officially Christmas break! 🎅🏼🎄✝️