Voters will decide on November 3 between incumbent Michael Nerheim and challenger Eric Rinehart in the race for Lake County state’s attorney.
Nerheim, a Republican, has served as the Lake County State’s Attorney for eight years starting in 2012 and has over 20 years of legal experience. He oversees an office of 140 attorneys, investigators paralegals, support staff and victim coordinators.
Rinehart, a Democrat, has 18 years of experience as an attorney. He says that he will protect Lake County by developing policies that reduce crime and serve all communities.
Nerheim created the first-of-its-kind Case Review Panel, which acts as an independent review board focusing on wrongful convictions.
Nerheim also created a Citizens Advisory Board comprised of a diverse group of community leaders who engage the public on key issues related to crime, public safety, and restoring trust in the criminal justice system.
He has been working with law enforcement to address the surge in gang violence and restoring the public’s trust in the office.
In 2017 and 2014, Nerheim was named State’s Attorney of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission.
The Lake County Opioid Initiative, which works to address the rapidly increasing opiate problem in the county, was co-founded by Nerheim.
We find Nerheim the most qualified candidate based on his performance in office. He is endorsed.