DEMOCRAT NATALIE HOWSE PRIMED, PREPARED, AND READY TO SERVE AS CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE OF THE 1ST SUB CIRCUIT

Natalie Howse. Photo provide by STH Media
Natalie Howse. Photo provide by STH Media

DEMOCRAT NATALIE HOWSE PRIMED, PREPARED, AND READY TO SERVE AS CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE OF THE

 1ST SUB CIRCUIT


Democrat Natalie Howse, a respected attorney, community advocate, and lifelong South Side Chicagoan, is now primed, energized and ready for the stretch run for Circuit Court Judge of the 1st Sub Circuit. With decades of legal experience spanning prosecution, child welfare, regulatory oversight, and equity-driven public service, Howse enters the race with a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to fairness, accountability, and justice for all.


The daughter of the late Attorney Nathaniel R. Howse, Sr. and Eva Howse, Natalie Howse was raised on Chicago’s South Side in a household rooted in service, integrity, and civic responsibility. These early values laid the foundation for a career dedicated to protecting communities, uplifting the vulnerable, and strengthening public trust in the legal system.


Howse earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Loyola University Chicago, with a minor in African American Studies, English, and Anthropology. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law, one of the nation’s premier institutions for producing advocates committed to justice and social equity. Following law school, Howse began her legal career at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted a wide range of criminal matters, including First-Degree Murder, Criminal Sexual Assault, and Retail Theft. Her work demanded both legal precision and moral clarity, ensuring that victims were heard while upholding the integrity of the judicial process. She later served as a litigation attorney with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she handled administrative hearings to protect children who had suffered abuse or neglect.


Beyond her professional roles, Howse is widely recognized for her extensive leadership within the legal community. She serves as Director of the Cook County Bar Association Foundation’s Legal Clinic, providing free legal services and expanding access to justice across Chicago and Cook County. She also co-chairs the Misdemeanor Subcommittee of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee for the Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts, spearheading initiatives aimed at reducing court backlogs and lowering recidivism rates among young adults.


As past Regional Director for Region VII of the National Bar Association and former President of the Cook County Bar Association, Howse has led groundbreaking initiatives addressing implicit bias, community-police relations, gun violence prevention, and public education on navigating the criminal justice system. Her leadership has consistently centered on bridging gaps between institutions and the communities they serve.


Howse’s commitment to mentorship and youth development is equally profound. She volunteers with Girls Lead, Polished Pebbles, and the Future Justice Lawyers Program, guiding young women and aspiring attorneys toward leadership and careers in law. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she continues her service through community-focused initiatives. Attorney Howse hopes to continue her efforts in bringing a wealth of knowledge to the circuit court.


“As a judge, I will bring fairness, integrity, and lived experience to the bench. I believe the courtroom must be a place where every individual is treated with dignity, where the law is applied without bias, and where justice truly serves the people,” says Attorney Natalie Howse.


Natalie Howse’s candidacy continues to earn broad and influential support from respected elected officials and party leaders across Chicago and Illinois, reflecting strong confidence in her integrity, legal judgment, and lifelong commitment to public service. She is proudly endorsed by Pat Dowell of the 3rd Ward, Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward, Gregory Mitchell of the 7th Ward, Howard Brookins of the 21st Ward, David Moore of the 17th Ward, Bill Conway of the 34th Ward, Derrick Curtis of the 18th Ward, and Stephanie Coleman of the 16th Ward, who also serves as Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. Her campaign is further endorsed by Senator Elgie Sims, 6th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, Leslie Hairston, 5th Ward Democratic Committeeperson, as well as State Representatives Marcus Evans and Justin Slaughter. Collectively, these endorsements represent a powerful and diverse coalition united in their belief that Natalie Howse possesses the experience, fairness, and steady leadership necessary to serve with distinction as Circuit Court Judge of the 1st Sub Circuit.

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