Justice David K. Overstreet took the oath to become a member of the Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday afternoon.
The 54-year-old was sworn in by his predecessor, Justice Lloyd Karmeier, during an emotional installation ceremony that was livestreamed. Members of Overstreet's family, as well as close friends, attended the ceremony in person.
He will become one of seven justices on the state's highest court. His first day is Dec. 7, one day after Karmeier's term ends.
Justices are elected from five judicial districts across the state. Three justices are elected from the 1st District, which includes Chicago and Cook County.
Overstreet, who ran as a Republican, won election in November over his opponent, Judy Cates, to represent the 5th Judicial District, which covers 37 counties in southern Illinois.
Speaking through tears and seated on the bench, Overstreet said he was incredibly honored by the opportunity to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court.
"I thank God for this opportunity, for being with me throughout my life," Overstreet said. "I'm going to work tirelessly to improve the judiciary and the legal system for all the citizens. I'm going to remember that I am a public servant."
Until his election to the Illinois Supreme Court, Overstreet served on the 5th District Appellate Court, which is one level below the state Supreme Court. Cates retained her seat on the appellate court.
Overstreet first joined the bench when he was appointed a circuit court judge in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in 2007. Before that, he worked in small, private firms in southern Illinois and Knoxville, Tennessee.
He was elected to the circuit court in 2008, appointed to the appellate court in 2017, and won election to the appellate court in 2018.
Karmeier, 80, was first elected to the Illinois Supreme Court in 2004. He won retention in 2014 and announced his plan to retire last year.
"Judge Overstreet fully understands and appreciates the role of good attorneys, and good judges. He has been both," Karmeier said Thursday. "He's been a diligent trial judge, and a respected appellate court justice. He's earned the respect of fellow lawyers and judges throughout his career."
Chief Justice Anne M. Burke, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated Overstreet, who will become the 119th justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.
"If past achievements are any indication of future success, I know you will serve the Supreme Court with the same uncompromising sense of duty and commitment which had been the hallmark of your entire legal career," Burke said.
