State's Attorney to become judge

Current Livingston County State’s Attorney Michael Regnier will be vacating his position in mid-May to become a judge.

This follows a vacancy in the 11^th Judicial Circuit.

“Numerous applicants, including myself, put in for the associate judge position and I recently found out that I was selected by the judges,” Regnier told Route 24 Radio Thursday evening following the Livingston County Board meeting.

The selection requires Regnier to leave his current position in the county.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve as the Livingston County State’s Attorney but this is a job that I’m going to be vacating here May 15.”

As Judge Jennifer Bauknecht retired, Randy Yedinak moved up and took her spot which left Yedinak’s spot open.

Livingston County Board Chairman Jim Carley praised the work of Regnier as State’s Attorney, reminding the public there is an open process for anyone wanting to apply for the position.

“He’s done a great job for the county,” said Carley.

Applicants have until April 27 to apply for State’s Attorney and after that date, a county board member from each district will interview the candidates with the chosen person announced at the upcoming Administrative Committee meeting the week before the regular meeting. The entire Livingston County Board will vote on the recommended candidate at the May 14 meeting.

Those county board members conducting interviews include Carley from District 1, Steve Lovell from District 2 and Paul Ritter from District 3.

By statute, the vacancy must be filled within 60 days by appointment of the county board chairperson with the advice and consent of the board.

“The appointment individual shall be someone from the same political party (Republican), shall be a United States citizen, a licensed attorney at least 21 years old and shall serve through November 30, 2026,” states a news release issued by the county.

The vacated position will be filled by election in the November 3, 2026 General Election.

Anyone interested in applying for the appointment is asked to submit a letter of interest to County Board Chair Jim Carley no later than Monday, April 27 to: James Carley, Chairperson, County Board Office, 112 W. Madison Street, Pontiac, IL 61764.