For the first time in 24 years, Cook County is getting a new chief judge.
The Honorable Timothy C. Evans lost reelection on Wednesday.
Evans was the longest-serving chief judge and the first African American elected to the post.
He was reelected seven times since being chosen in 2001.
A court spokesman says Evans lost to Charles Beach by a vote of 144-109, with one spoiled ballot.
The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice thanked Evans for his years of service, calling the 82-year-old a champion of pretrial reform.
Beach is a former trial attorney who was appointed to the bench eight years ago.
His term starts December 1st.