Meet Hope Mercado
Hope Mercado is running for Circuit Court Judge, 3rd Subcircuit, DuPage County
Hope is an experienced lawyer who advocates for the independence of the Court, enforcement of the rule of law, fair and equitable administration of justice, safe communities for families, outstanding schools, ethical and competent law enforcement, and accountability in matters affecting the community.
1. Why did you decide to run for office?
We need conservative Judges in DuPage Court who will enforce the rule of law and not be influenced by politics, power, money, or special interests. I am running because I believe that the Court must be impartial, independent, competent and must reflect the communities they serve. I advocate for complete judicial independence because this is crucial to maintaining public trust and confidence in our judicial system.
2. What are you hoping to accomplish if you win?
If I am elected, I will promote judicial independence and raise awareness that DuPage Court must reflect the communities it serves. I will ensure that the rule of law is enforced, DuPage families and their children are protected, and our communities and neighborhoods remain safe.
3. What qualifications set you apart from other candidates?
An effective judge needs a broad and deep understanding of the law, as well as significant life experience. This combination allows a Judge to interpret and apply legal principles fairly and wisely. I have been a licensed attorney in Illinois for over twenty (20) years and practice in Federal and State Courts. I came from a large immigrant family from the Philippines and am the 7th of 10 children. My mother was a teacher for 45 years before she retired, and my father was a chemist who later became a small business owner. Together, my parents raised ten children independently and made sure all their children worked hard, finished school, and achieved the American Dream. I worked three jobs while in school and put myself through college and law school. I will be an effective judge because I am well-versed in various areas of law, and I have significant life experience as well. My diverse knowledge of the law, immigrant background, and life experience will also foster empathy and a balanced perspective, which are crucial for fair judgment.
4. What specific actions will you take if you win?
If I am elected, I will make decisions based on the rule of law, always exude judicial temperament, and will create judicial programs that will help maintain public trust and confidence in our local judicial system.
5. Can you give an example of how you have supported a community project in the past?
The residents of DuPage County deserve fair and impartial Courts regardless of their political position or affiliation. I have been involved in several community projects in the past that are inherently non-partisan. My husband and I are active members of our homeowners’ association in Downers Grove. We volunteer at several food pantries across DuPage, including the People’s Resource Center in Westmont, and help raise funds for different local non-profit organizations. Specifically, I am involved with DCBA’s Lawyers Lending a Hand, where members volunteer their time to help various underserved communities in DuPage County. During the pandemic, my husband and I created a small business in May 2020 and donated hundreds of hand gloves, facemasks, sanitizers, and PPE to local churches and food pantries. When I am not practicing law or running a small business, I teach religious education to 7th-grade children in Downers Grove.
6. What else would you like voters to know about yourself?
I graduated from Loyola Marymount University and obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. I am licensed in Illinois and admitted in the Northern District Court of Illinois and the U.S. Supreme Court. I am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Member of the ISBA Assembly, the Diversity Leadership Council, the International and Immigration Council, Member of the Family Law Section of the ISBA, and a board member of the Filipino American Lawyers Association. I have organized and promoted numerous continuing legal education through the ISBA, including the annual Minority Bar Continuing Legal Education Conference.
7. In your opinion, what is a hidden gem of a restaurant or business in Downers Grove Township?
Angelo’s Pizza in Downers Grove, and FM Asian Mart in Woodridge.
8. What past president or political figure do you admire?
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who passed away on December 1, 2023, inspired me to go to law school after reading her biography in 1997.
9. Please share a website or social media page, where people can find out more, donate or volunteer for your campaign.
Email: Electhope4judge@gmail.com