Jussie Smollett update: Judge Michael Toomin. who appointed special prosecutor in 'Empire' actor's case, not endorsed by Dems

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The judge who ordered a special prosecutor to look into the case of Jussie Smollett is not getting the endorsement of the Cook County Democratic Party.

The party is endorsing 60 judges for retention this November. Judge Michael Toomin is not one of them.

In a news release, Toomin claims its retribution for his decision to ask special prosecutor Dan Webb to review the criminal case against the "Empire" actor.

Jussie Smollett case: Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on 'Empire' actor

"Empire" actor and R&B singer Jussie Smollett told Chicago police in January that two men physically attacked him and yelled racial and homophobic slurs. There have been dozens of twists and turns since then.

"I am extremely disappointed by the party's decision to single me out as I seek retention on the November 3rd ballot for reasons that clash with the widely accepted virtues of judicial independence," the judge said in a statement. I've taken great pride in earning the respect of my colleagues, the legal community as well as the citizens of cook county."

Smollett's accused of faking a racist and homophobic attack on himself.

WATCH: Video shows Jussie Smollett with rope around his neck

Chicago police have released nearly 70 hours of video in the Jussie Smollett case.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said it's a bad look for the party.

"I am deeply concerned and I expressed my concern to a number of people that were going to be participating in the vote today that the optics of this are terrible," Mayor Lightfoot said. "It looks like retaliation."

Leslie Hairston, vice chair of the Judicial Retention Committee for the Cook County Democratic Party, said in a statement that, "Judge Toomin is out of touch and leading our juvenile justice system with an outdated 'scared straight' approach to our children."

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Jussie Smollett update: Special prosecutor finds 'abuses of discretion' in Kim Foxx's handling of 'Empire' actor's case

Former 'Empire' actor's lawsuit against Chicago dismissed by federal judge

Jussie Smollett, former 'Empire' actor, pleads not guilty to new charges in alleged Chicago attack

Kim Foxx says Jussie Smollett case shouldn't define her record as Cook County State's Attorney

Jussie Smollett update: Kim Foxx backs away from political accusations against special prosecutor after 'Empire' actor re-indicted

Jussie Smollett, former 'Empire' actor, indicted again in connection with alleged Chicago attack

Jussie Smollett case: Judge denies motion to dismiss Chicago lawsuit against 'Empire' actor

Dan Webb appointed special prosecutor in 'Empire' actor's case

'Empire' actor's attorneys argue against special prosecutor, want judge replaced

Chicago police release investigative files, video of alleged staged attack on 'Empire' actor

Judge orders special prosecutor to review Jussie Smollett case

911 calls released of Jussie Smollett reporting alleged attack

Cook Co. State's Attorney's Office releases documents in Jussie Smollett case

Chicago police release 400 pages of Jussie Smollett case files

Kim Foxx receives death threats after Jussie Smollett charges dropped

Kim Foxx's chief spokesperson resigns from State's Attorney's Office

2 top staffers leaving Kim Foxx's State's Attorney's Office

Jussie Smollett update: Kim Foxx's texts and emails raise more questions about recusal

Kim Foxx texts show she thought number of Jussie Smollett charges 'excessive'

Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx asks for review of how Jussie Smollett case was handled

Kim Foxx says 'this is personal' about calls for her to resign

In wake of Jussie Smollett, suburban police chiefs take no confidence stance against State's Attorney Kim Foxx

Jussie Smollett case leads to protests for, against Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx

Jussie Smollett's surprise deal raises new questions

What's inside the CPD Jussie Smollett investigative file?

Mayor Emanuel calls decision to drop charges against Smollett 'whitewash of justice'

Charges dropped against 'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett

FOP accuses Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx of interfering in Jussie Smollett investigation

Jussie Smollett pleads not guilty to disorderly conduct charges

Jussie Smollett update: Texts shed light on why State's Attorney Kim Foxx recused herself

Jussie Smollett update: Brothers 'taken advantage of' by Smollett, attorney says

Jussie Smollett indicted on 16 felony counts by grand jury

Brothers reportedly involved in Jussie Smollett alleged hoax release statement expressing 'regret'

Jussie Smollett's check to brothers obtained by ABC News

Jussie Smollett alleged hoax may cast doubt on real hate crimes, advocates fear

Jussie Smollett out on bond after being accused of staging attack

Jussie Smollett charged with disorderly conduct for filing false police report, prosecutors say

Cook Co. State's Attorney Kim Foxx recuses herself from Jussie Smollett investigation

Brothers told police Smollett was upset threatening letter didn't get enough attention, staged attack

Activist calls for Smollett's arrest, believes actor lied about attack

Brothers tell police that Jussie Smollett paid them to stage attack, official says

Sources: Police investigating whether Smollett staged attack with help of others

Timeline of key moments in alleged attack on Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett breaks silence on Chicago attack

'Empire' actor's family releases statement on attack, pictures of possible persons of interest released

Photos show potential persons of interest in 'Empire' actor attack, police say

'Empire' actor Jussie Smollett attacked in Chicago in possible hate crime, police say