C
ook County Judge E. Kenneth Wright is under investigation by a state disciplinary board for allegedly taking improper homestead and senior tax exemptions on a Will County home he owned. As the presiding judge of Cook County's First Municipal District, overseeing more than 40 judges in housing, evictions, and small claims courts, Wright has been accused of violating residency requirements. According to records, Wright had a Will County driver's license for over 40 years and recently revoked his homestead exemption there.

    Wright, who has served as judge since 1994 and presiding judge since 2003, is known for rulings supporting tenant rights and protections for seniors and people with disabilities. However, professional associations have expressed concerns about his compliance with residency requirements, ultimately advising against his retention in office. The investigation may impact Wright's judicial retention race, where he currently holds a narrow lead of 62.8 percent of the vote, just above the required 60 percent threshold.