Clayton Harris III
Candidate, Cook County State's Attorney

Clayton Harris III is a lifelong Democrat running to bring safety and justice to Cook County as our next State's Attorney. An experienced prosecutor and government leader who has managed offices at the city and state levels, Clayton has what it takes to hold violent offenders accountable and push forward on reform
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As a prosecutor in Criminal Appeals, Traffic, and Special Prosecutions: Narcotics under former State’s Attorney Richard Devine, Clayton fought to hold violent offenders accountable and to stand up for the needs of victims.
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Clayton then joined the City of Chicago’s Intergovernmental Affairs team, advocating for public safety resources in Springfield, before becoming Counsel at the Chicago Department of Transportation.
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Clayton also has significant management experience, having served as Chief of Staff of the Illinois Department of Transportation, Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately Chief of Staff, to the Governor’s Office, where he managed the state and 60,000 state employees.
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Clayton's most recent public service includes serving as the Executive Director of the Illinois International Port District (IIPD).
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Clayton has also tutored students with bar preparation, offered pro bono legal support through his church community, and served on the board of the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic.
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Clayton earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Technology from Middle Tennessee State University and his Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law. Clayton earned his Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, where he has been a lecturer for the past 14 years.
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At the University of Chicago, Clayton teaches Policing Race in America: Black, White & Blue where challenges with policing are discussed and addressed in search of an answer towards justice for all.
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Clayton serves on the boards of Kids Above All, the Greater Chicago Legal Clinic, the Art in Motion school, is an active member of the Social Justice Ministry at Progressive Baptist Church, and is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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Clayton lives in Washington Park on the South Side of Chicago with his wife, Trena, and their two sons.

March 7, 2024