Kim Foxx reflects on her impactful tenure as Cook County State's Attorney
- Kim Foxx was elected in 2016 as Cook County's first Black woman State's Attorney.
- She implemented significant reforms, such as the abolition of cash bail and addressing wrongful convictions, claiming to have vacated over 250 wrongful convictions during her terms.
- As she steps down from office, Foxx reflects on her achievements and the challenges faced, remaining proud of her contributions to the justice system.
In November 2024, Kim Foxx concluded her impactful eight-year tenure as Cook County State's Attorney in the United States. She was elected in 2016, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position. Throughout her time in office, Foxx prioritised addressing issues primarily affecting Black communities, including wrongful convictions and bail reform. Her administration oversaw the vacating of over 250 wrongful convictions and positioned Illinois as the first state to abolish cash bail, reflecting a significant shift in the justice system. Foxx faced her share of controversies, notably relating to the high-profile Jussie Smollett case, which received considerable public scrutiny and protests during her time in office. However, she maintained that the data supported her approach to safety and justice reform, arguing against perceptions of being lenient on crime. Despite challenges during her terms, she expressed pride in the work accomplished and indicated her plans to retreat from public life for a period following her departure from the role.