State Rep. Terra Costa Howard is giving up her seat in the state House to become a DuPage County Circuit Court judge.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced Tuesday it is appointing Howard as resident circuit judge, effective Oct. 17. Her term will end Dec. 7, 2026.

She fills a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Paul Fullerton.

Howard, a Glen Ellyn Democrat, has served as a state representative since 2019, first for the 48th District and then the 42nd District.

A spokesman confirmed Costa Howard is resigning, but said a date has not been set.

Costa Howard has had a solo law practice since 2003. Before that, she worked in the DuPage County public defender’s office and as a staff attorney for the DuPage court.

“From my first days of working in the Chief Judge’s office and the DuPage County Public Defender’s office, to my current role as State Representative, I have worked to serve the people of DuPage County,” Costa Howard said in a news release from the Illinois Supreme Court. “I believe that every step of my career has led me toward this new challenge, and I look forward to the prospect of bringing my experience – in law and in life – to the bench.”

The state constitution prohibits judges from holding elected office.

The Democratic Party of DuPage County announced Monday how it will fill Howard’s seat.

To apply, send a resume and letter of interest to info@dupagedemocrats.com.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 9. State law requires applicants to belong to the same party as Howard.

The party will then have a meeting Oct. 12 to select the replacement. Applicants will have the chance to make a three-minute speech. Members of the public can attend the meeting, but they will not be allowed to give comments.

The representative committee for the district will then choose a person.

The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Lecture Hall 1234 of the Health and Science Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

The committee consists of county party Chairman Reid McCollum; Dyan Page, chairman of the York Township Democratic Organization; and Dennis Terdy, former chairman of the Democratic Party of Milton Township.

“We’re committed to a transparent, equitable process that gives every eligible Democrat in HD‑42 a fair opportunity to be considered,” McCollum said in a written statement. “We invite interested community members to apply and to share their vision for serving this district.”

The 42nd District includes parts of Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville and Wheaton.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20250923/news/state-lawmaker-howard-to-become-dupage-county-judge/