81st House District
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Welcome to the MICourtRaces.com. This is a non-partisan resource to help voters make informed decisions about judicial races across Michigan. Remember to vote by November 5th!
Supreme Court
Kimberly Ann Thomas received the nomination from the Michigan Democratic Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a trial and appellate lawyer. She is currently a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic. Thomas has served on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which works to improve our state’s juvenile justice system. Prior to her work at the University of Michigan Law School, Thomas received a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award and taught at the University College Cork School of Law in Cork, Ireland.
According to her campaign website, Thomas’ priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include a dedication to upholding the rule of law, equal access to justice for all Michiganders, and bringing forth a voice of integrity and fairness.
Thomas has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, political parties, issue advocacy groups, current and former justices and judges, and elected officials..
For more information about Kimberly Ann Thomas, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her website at electkimberlythomas.com.
Kimberly Ann Thomas received the nomination from the Michigan Democratic Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a trial and appellate lawyer. She is currently a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic. Thomas has served on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which works to improve our state’s juvenile justice system. Prior to her work at the University of Michigan Law School, Thomas received a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award and taught at the University College Cork School of Law in Cork, Ireland.
According to her campaign website, Thomas’ priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include a dedication to upholding the rule of law, equal access to justice for all Michiganders, and bringing forth a voice of integrity and fairness.
Thomas has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, political parties, issue advocacy groups, current and former justices and judges, and elected officials..
For more information about Kimberly Ann Thomas, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her website at electkimberlythomas.com.
Kimberly Ann Thomas received the nomination from the Michigan Democratic Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Thomas is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a trial and appellate lawyer. She is currently a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic. Thomas has served on the bipartisan Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which works to improve our state’s juvenile justice system. Prior to her work at the University of Michigan Law School, Thomas received a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award and taught at the University College Cork School of Law in Cork, Ireland.
According to her campaign website, Thomas’ priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include a dedication to upholding the rule of law, equal access to justice for all Michiganders, and bringing forth a voice of integrity and fairness.
Thomas has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, political parties, issue advocacy groups, current and former justices and judges, and elected officials..
For more information about Kimberly Ann Thomas, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her website at electkimberlythomas.com.
Andrew Fink received the nomination from the Michigan Republican Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Fink is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He currently serves as a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where he is vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Fink has been a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps, and has worked in private practice at Fink and Fink. He has been appointed to the Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws and as a commissioner-at-large for the State Bar of Michigan.
According to his campaign website, Fink’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an originalist interpretation of the law, upholding Constitutional rights, and ensuring that duty and honor are held in high esteem within our judiciary.
Fink has received endorsements from business groups, current and former elected officials, law enforcement officials, and community leaders.
For more information about Andrew Fink, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his website at finkformichigan.com.
Andrew Fink received the nomination from the Michigan Republican Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Fink is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He currently serves as a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where he is vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Fink has been a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps, and has worked in private practice at Fink and Fink. He has been appointed to the Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws and as a commissioner-at-large for the State Bar of Michigan.
According to his campaign website, Fink’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an originalist interpretation of the law, upholding Constitutional rights, and ensuring that duty and honor are held in high esteem within our judiciary.
Fink has received endorsements from business groups, current and former elected officials, law enforcement officials, and community leaders.
For more information about Andrew Fink, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his website at finkformichigan.com.
Andrew Fink received the nomination from the Michigan Republican Party to run for this year’s open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Fink is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He currently serves as a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where he is vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. Fink has been a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps, and has worked in private practice at Fink and Fink. He has been appointed to the Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws and as a commissioner-at-large for the State Bar of Michigan.
According to his campaign website, Fink’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an originalist interpretation of the law, upholding Constitutional rights, and ensuring that duty and honor are held in high esteem within our judiciary.
Fink has received endorsements from business groups, current and former elected officials, law enforcement officials, and community leaders.
For more information about Andrew Fink, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his website at finkformichigan.com.
Incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Whitmer in 2022, making her the first Black woman to serve on the Court. She is seeking to retain her seat for the remainder of the term that was vacated by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. She has been nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party.
Justice Bolden is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she worked as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney. She also served as a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where. she sat on the House Judiciary Committee.
According to her campaign website, if reelected to the Michigan Supreme Court, Justice Bolden will remain committed to ensuring equal access to justice, applying the law without fear or favor, and treating all who come before our state’s highest court with dignity and respect.
Justice Bolden has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, local political parties, and issue advocacy groups..
For more information about Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, including a full list of her endorsements, please visit her official campaign website at boldenforjustice.com.
Incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Whitmer in 2022, making her the first Black woman to serve on the Court. She is seeking to retain her seat for the remainder of the term that was vacated by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. She has been nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party.
Justice Bolden is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she worked as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney. She also served as a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where. she sat on the House Judiciary Committee.
According to her campaign website, if reelected to the Michigan Supreme Court, Justice Bolden will remain committed to ensuring equal access to justice, applying the law without fear or favor, and treating all who come before our state’s highest court with dignity and respect.
Justice Bolden has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, local political parties, and issue advocacy groups..
For more information about Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, including a full list of her endorsements, please visit her official campaign website at boldenforjustice.com.
Incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor Whitmer in 2022, making her the first Black woman to serve on the Court. She is seeking to retain her seat for the remainder of the term that was vacated by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. She has been nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party.
Justice Bolden is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she worked as a criminal defense and civil litigation attorney. She also served as a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives for the 35th District, where. she sat on the House Judiciary Committee.
According to her campaign website, if reelected to the Michigan Supreme Court, Justice Bolden will remain committed to ensuring equal access to justice, applying the law without fear or favor, and treating all who come before our state’s highest court with dignity and respect.
Justice Bolden has received endorsements from labor unions, judicial organizations, local political parties, and issue advocacy groups..
For more information about Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, including a full list of her endorsements, please visit her official campaign website at boldenforjustice.com.
Judge Patrick William O’Grady was nominated by the Michigan Republican Party to challenge incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Judge O’Grady is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves on the 15th Circuit Court in Branch County. He has judicial experience presiding over both criminal and civil cases. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge O’Grady served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked as a state trooper and assistant prosecutor.
According to his campaign website, Judge O’Grady’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an adherence to the rule of law and a commitment to safeguarding families, individual rights, and upholding the integrity of the State of Michigan.
Judge O’Grady has received endorsements from business groups, former justices, former elected officials and candidates, and community leaders.
For more information about Judge Patrick William O’Grady, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his official campaign website at judgeogrady4supremecourt.com.
Judge Patrick William O’Grady was nominated by the Michigan Republican Party to challenge incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Judge O’Grady is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves on the 15th Circuit Court in Branch County. He has judicial experience presiding over both criminal and civil cases. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge O’Grady served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked as a state trooper and assistant prosecutor.
According to his campaign website, Judge O’Grady’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an adherence to the rule of law and a commitment to safeguarding families, individual rights, and upholding the integrity of the State of Michigan.
Judge O’Grady has received endorsements from business groups, former justices, former elected officials and candidates, and community leaders.
For more information about Judge Patrick William O’Grady, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his official campaign website at judgeogrady4supremecourt.com.
Judge Patrick William O’Grady was nominated by the Michigan Republican Party to challenge incumbent Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for the partial term seat on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Judge O’Grady is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves on the 15th Circuit Court in Branch County. He has judicial experience presiding over both criminal and civil cases. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge O’Grady served in the U.S. Army Reserve and worked as a state trooper and assistant prosecutor.
According to his campaign website, Judge O’Grady’s priorities, if elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, include an adherence to the rule of law and a commitment to safeguarding families, individual rights, and upholding the integrity of the State of Michigan.
Judge O’Grady has received endorsements from business groups, former justices, former elected officials and candidates, and community leaders.
For more information about Judge Patrick William O’Grady, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his official campaign website at judgeogrady4supremecourt.com.
Kent County
Matthew Scott DeLange is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
DeLange is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is currently a managing partner of the family law division at the MI Family Law Center. DeLange previously worked as a senior associate attorney at Shaw Law Group.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the Kent County Probate Court, DeLange will work to build a future where family law is grounded in empathy, expertise, and equity.
DeLange has received endorsements from current and former judges, elected officials, referees, and community leaders.
To learn more information about Matthew Scott DeLange, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at www.delange4judge.com.
Matthew Scott DeLange is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
DeLange is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is currently a managing partner of the family law division at the MI Family Law Center. DeLange previously worked as a senior associate attorney at Shaw Law Group.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the Kent County Probate Court, DeLange will work to build a future where family law is grounded in empathy, expertise, and equity.
DeLange has received endorsements from current and former judges, elected officials, referees, and community leaders.
To learn more information about Matthew Scott DeLange, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at www.delange4judge.com.
Matthew Scott DeLange is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
DeLange is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is currently a managing partner of the family law division at the MI Family Law Center. DeLange previously worked as a senior associate attorney at Shaw Law Group.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the Kent County Probate Court, DeLange will work to build a future where family law is grounded in empathy, expertise, and equity.
DeLange has received endorsements from current and former judges, elected officials, referees, and community leaders.
To learn more information about Matthew Scott DeLange, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at www.delange4judge.com.
Tamara Lynn Lopez is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
Lopez is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and has experience in criminal defense, family, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency law. She currently practices as an attorney at Lopez Law, PLC.
Lopez’s values, as outlined on her campaign website, include advocating for justice and upholding the rule of law. If elected to the Kent County Probate Court, she will be committed to ensuring every case is heard with impartiality and respect, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the judicial system for all community members.
Lopez has received endorsements from labor unions, judges, elected officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Tamara Lynn Lopez, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at lopezforjudge.com.
Tamara Lynn Lopez is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
Lopez is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and has experience in criminal defense, family, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency law. She currently practices as an attorney at Lopez Law, PLC.
Lopez’s values, as outlined on her campaign website, include advocating for justice and upholding the rule of law. If elected to the Kent County Probate Court, she will be committed to ensuring every case is heard with impartiality and respect, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the judicial system for all community members.
Lopez has received endorsements from labor unions, judges, elected officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Tamara Lynn Lopez, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at lopezforjudge.com.
Tamara Lynn Lopez is running for an open seat on the Kent County Probate Court.
Lopez is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and has experience in criminal defense, family, abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency law. She currently practices as an attorney at Lopez Law, PLC.
Lopez’s values, as outlined on her campaign website, include advocating for justice and upholding the rule of law. If elected to the Kent County Probate Court, she will be committed to ensuring every case is heard with impartiality and respect, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the judicial system for all community members.
Lopez has received endorsements from labor unions, judges, elected officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Tamara Lynn Lopez, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at lopezforjudge.com.
Local Court Races
17th Circuit Court
Charissa Chaiyiang Huang is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Huang is a graduate of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and is currently an attorney at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge in Grand Rapids, where she represents survivors of discrimination, harassment, and sexual abuse and assault.
According to her campaign website, if elected to the 17th Circuit Court, Huang will commit to doing the work of advancing justice and safeguarding the rights and liberties of all people.
Huang has received endorsements from local political parties, issue advocacy groups, judges, elected officials, and community and business leaders.
For more information about Charissa Chaiyiang Huang, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at huangforjudge.com.
Charissa Chaiyiang Huang is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Huang is a graduate of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and is currently an attorney at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge in Grand Rapids, where she represents survivors of discrimination, harassment, and sexual abuse and assault.
According to her campaign website, if elected to the 17th Circuit Court, Huang will commit to doing the work of advancing justice and safeguarding the rights and liberties of all people.
Huang has received endorsements from local political parties, issue advocacy groups, judges, elected officials, and community and business leaders.
For more information about Charissa Chaiyiang Huang, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at huangforjudge.com.
Charissa Chaiyiang Huang is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Huang is a graduate of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and is currently an attorney at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge in Grand Rapids, where she represents survivors of discrimination, harassment, and sexual abuse and assault.
According to her campaign website, if elected to the 17th Circuit Court, Huang will commit to doing the work of advancing justice and safeguarding the rights and liberties of all people.
Huang has received endorsements from local political parties, issue advocacy groups, judges, elected officials, and community and business leaders.
For more information about Charissa Chaiyiang Huang, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at huangforjudge.com.
Jennifer Johnsen is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Johnsen is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School. She is a family law attorney and founding partner of West Michigan Divorce. Johnsen was elected to the Michigan State Bar’s Family Law Council in 2016 and is currently a council member and co-chair of the Court Rules and Professional Ethics Committee.
According to her campaign website, Johnsen is running for judge to be a part of a dedicated Family Division committed to serving the community.
Johnsen has received endorsements from judicial organizations, current and former judges, referees, and community leaders.
For more information about Jennifer Johnsen, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at jj4judge2024.com.
Jennifer Johnsen is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Johnsen is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School. She is a family law attorney and founding partner of West Michigan Divorce. Johnsen was elected to the Michigan State Bar’s Family Law Council in 2016 and is currently a council member and co-chair of the Court Rules and Professional Ethics Committee.
According to her campaign website, Johnsen is running for judge to be a part of a dedicated Family Division committed to serving the community.
Johnsen has received endorsements from judicial organizations, current and former judges, referees, and community leaders.
For more information about Jennifer Johnsen, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at jj4judge2024.com.
Jennifer Johnsen is running for an open seat on the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County.
Johnsen is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School. She is a family law attorney and founding partner of West Michigan Divorce. Johnsen was elected to the Michigan State Bar’s Family Law Council in 2016 and is currently a council member and co-chair of the Court Rules and Professional Ethics Committee.
According to her campaign website, Johnsen is running for judge to be a part of a dedicated Family Division committed to serving the community.
Johnsen has received endorsements from judicial organizations, current and former judges, referees, and community leaders.
For more information about Jennifer Johnsen, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at jj4judge2024.com.
63rd District Court
Daniel John O’Hara is running for a 6-year term, new judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
O’Hara is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. O’Hara has experience with criminal trials throughout the District and Circuit Court levels and assists police departments in civil filings related to narcotics investigations. He has also served as the Drug Court prosecutor at the 61st District Court for the majority of his career.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the 63rd District Court, O’Hara will uphold the rule of law and continue to protect the citizens of Kent County as a fair and honest judge.
O'Hara has received endorsements from current and former judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Daniel John O'Hara, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at dohara4judge.com.
Daniel John O’Hara is running for a 6-year term, new judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
O’Hara is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. O’Hara has experience with criminal trials throughout the District and Circuit Court levels and assists police departments in civil filings related to narcotics investigations. He has also served as the Drug Court prosecutor at the 61st District Court for the majority of his career.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the 63rd District Court, O’Hara will uphold the rule of law and continue to protect the citizens of Kent County as a fair and honest judge.
O'Hara has received endorsements from current and former judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Daniel John O'Hara, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at dohara4judge.com.
Daniel John O’Hara is running for a 6-year term, new judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
O’Hara is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently serves as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. O’Hara has experience with criminal trials throughout the District and Circuit Court levels and assists police departments in civil filings related to narcotics investigations. He has also served as the Drug Court prosecutor at the 61st District Court for the majority of his career.
According to his campaign website, if elected to the 63rd District Court, O’Hara will uphold the rule of law and continue to protect the citizens of Kent County as a fair and honest judge.
O'Hara has received endorsements from current and former judges, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders.
For more information about Daniel John O'Hara, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at dohara4judge.com.
Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch is running for a new 6-year judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
Paasch is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently works as a senior trial attorney for Allstate Insurance. Prior to this role, he served as a police officer in West Michigan. Paasch currently serves on the City of East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, 17th Circuit.
According to his campaign website, Paasch’s career has been dedicated to ensuring public safety, upholding the rule of law, and delivering justice without favor or bias for the benefit of the community, which he will continue to do if elected to the 63rd District Court.
Paasch has received endorsements from former judges, elected officials, and law enforcement officials.
For more information about Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at paaschforjudge.com
Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch is running for a new 6-year judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
Paasch is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently works as a senior trial attorney for Allstate Insurance. Prior to this role, he served as a police officer in West Michigan. Paasch currently serves on the City of East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, 17th Circuit.
According to his campaign website, Paasch’s career has been dedicated to ensuring public safety, upholding the rule of law, and delivering justice without favor or bias for the benefit of the community, which he will continue to do if elected to the 63rd District Court.
Paasch has received endorsements from former judges, elected officials, and law enforcement officials.
For more information about Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at paaschforjudge.com
Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch is running for a new 6-year judgeship on the 63rd District Court in Kent County.
Paasch is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and currently works as a senior trial attorney for Allstate Insurance. Prior to this role, he served as a police officer in West Michigan. Paasch currently serves on the City of East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, 17th Circuit.
According to his campaign website, Paasch’s career has been dedicated to ensuring public safety, upholding the rule of law, and delivering justice without favor or bias for the benefit of the community, which he will continue to do if elected to the 63rd District Court.
Paasch has received endorsements from former judges, elected officials, and law enforcement officials.
For more information about Jonathan Jeffrey Paasch, including a full list of endorsements, please visit his campaign website at paaschforjudge.com