SYCAMORE – Riley N. Oncken of Sycamore announced his candidacy for DeKalb County Circuit Court Judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit to fill the vacancy of retired Judge Robbin Stuckert.

DeKalb County Clerk Doug Johnson confirmed Oncken’s candidacy announcement means the race is now contested, with appointed Judge Marcy Buick running as his opponent.

According to a Friday news release from Oncken’s campaign, Oncken has served the community as a general practice attorney since 2004. He has lived in DeKalb County since he began law school at Northern Illinois University three years earlier.

In addition to private practice, Oncken served as a conflict assistant public defender for DeKalb County from 2013-2019, handling cases involving juvenile abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, misdemeanors and felonies.

“Oncken answered the call to run in this election because he believes that, as the next Circuit Judge, he can judge impartially, work diligently, support law enforcement to promote public safety, and help to resolve conflicts effectively and efficiently for the residents and businesses of DeKalb County,” according to the news release.

Throughout his legal career, Oncken has devoted his time to serving those in need as a volunteer attorney for CASA DeKalb County, Administer Justice, and Prairie State Legal Services. He also participated in the 50 Men Who Cook fundraiser for CASA DeKalb County and was a founding member of the Spartan Food Pantry.

Oncken previously served as a Republican on the DeKalb County Board from 2008 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2015. He also has more than 20 years of service to the Republican Party and is a long-serving Republican precinct committeeman.

Oncken also served on the Boards of the Sycamore Rotary Club, the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the NIU College of Law Alumni Council. He serves on the board of the Sycamore Education Foundation and is the treasurer of Goodfellows of DeKalb/Sycamore.

Oncken described himself in the news release as a devoted Christian. He previously served as a Trustee for Christ Community Church in DeKalb, and he and his family attend Harvest Chapel in Sandwich.

Oncken has lived in Sycamore since 2003 and lives there with his wife, Heather, who is a nurse, and their four daughters.