a record of success

Judicial Campaigns



The KNI Communications judicial campaign team has particular expertise in winning elections for qualified ethical candidates seeking to serve on the bench. Our work, which includes running over 50 successful judicial campaigns, has been praised and highlighted in numerous media outlets.

KNI had great success in the 2024 Elections helping 18 Judges - including Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham - navigate the path to victory. We were also proud to play a leading role in the 2020 election of Judge Jill Rose Quinn, Illinois’ first transgender Judge.

We are frequently asked to provide commentary for news outlets on trends in judicial campaigns and elections. Leading elected officials have praised KNI on television programs for our ability to find new paths to victory for judicial clients, taking comprehensive and community-oriented approaches to elections and using resources smartly.

50+ Judicial Candidate Wins

We've got over 50 Judicial Campaign Wins!

See our list, and find out what we can do for you!

Joy Virginia Cunningham Wins Illinois Supreme Court Primary

Joy Virginia Cunningham Wins Illinois Supreme Court Primary

To prepare clients for a successful judicial campaign, KNI Communications can:

  • Evaluate the existing political landscape to identify the best opportunities for a successful run
  • Provide objective analysis of candidate strengths and weaknesses
  • Prepare clients for bar association evaluations
  • Create realistic timelines for pre-campaign and full-campaign activities
  • Develop realistic and comprehensive budget projections
  • Provide comprehensive ethics training so that candidates know the do’s and don’ts of a judicial campaign
  • Obtain the best data possible and analyze demographic and voter history information to determine the strongest path to victory
  • Provide introductions to key stakeholders and opinion leaders
  • Guide community and political outreach efforts
  • Identify important community and political events and prepare candidates for attendance
  • Conduct trainings on public / political speaking

  • Develop messaging and press / collateral materials
  • Develop voter contact materials including direct mail, walkcards, websites, online ads, radio ads, television ads, billboards, yard signs, campaign paraphanelia
  • Plan and execute phone voter contact programs
  • Coordinate campaign research and polling
  • Manage social media efforts using new, innovative results-driven technology and tactics
  • Prepare clients for endorsement sessions coordinated by key organizations and media outlets
  • Identification, mobilization, training and oversight of staff and volunteers
  • Identify opportunities for coalition building and political partnerships
  • Manage the process of data collection, including managing lists of volunteers and supportive voters
  • Coordinate and publicize campaign activities when relevant to demonstrate a “show of support” to political and community opinion leaders
  • Organize a sophisticated field operation – making sure that a candidate’s message gets to the voters in their neighborhoods
  • Run a top-notch “Get Out The Vote” operation on Election Day

If you follow the KNI Communications approach, we will assist you pro-bono in the final task of the campaign – identifying the best venue for your victory party! To set up a meeting regarding a potential judicial campaign, please e-mail info@KNICommunications.com or call 312-576-8822.