St. Joseph County

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.

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.

Kelly Ward is running for an open seat on the St. Joseph County Probate Court.

Ward is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and is currently an attorney referee in Van Buren County Family Court. Prior to this role, Ward started her own law practice and represented veterans, the elderly, and other adults in involuntary mental health proceedings.

According to her campaign website, if elected to the St. Joseph County Probate Court, Ward’s goal is for the Probate Court to deliver justice for all by providing access, protecting rights, resolving disputes, and applying the law to all those served in a manner that elicits public trust.

Ward has received endorsements from issue advocacy groups, current and former judges, and community leaders.

For more information about Kelly Ward, including a full list of endorsements, please visit her campaign website at electkellywardprobatejudge.com.