Michigan Judicial Election 2026 Voter Guide

Get informed about Michigan's 2026 judicial elections with our detailed voter guide covering the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and local trial courts.

Last update: April 9, 2026. This guide is designed for easy online navigation with clickable sections. If you'd rather download or print a copy, you can get the full PDF version.

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Table of Contents

What You Need to Know Before You Vote

Michigan Supreme Court

• Current Michigan Supreme Court Justices
• Term and Term Limits
• Candidates for Michigan Supreme Court

Court of Appeals

• The Current Court of Appeals Judges
• Term and Term Limits
• Candidates for Michigan Court of Appeals

Trial-Level Courts

• 4 Types of Trial-Level Courts
• Judicial Circuits: How Court Areas Are Organized
• Term and Term Limits
• Candidates for Trial-Level Courts (Circuit, District, Probate)

How Federal Courts Work (And How They're Different)

• The Three Levels of Federal Courts
• How Federal Judges Are Selected
• Why This Matters to Michigan Voters

Final Thoughts Before You Vote

What You Need to Know Before You Vote

Every election year, Michigan voters choose judges — from the Michigan Supreme Court to local trial courts. Yet many skip those sections of the ballot simply because they don't feel informed.

Michigan's court system can feel complicated. Supreme Court justices run in nonpartisan races but are nominated at party conventions. Court of Appeals judges appear only in certain districts. Trial court judges are elected locally and may not show up on your ballot every year. Add in term lengths and vacancies — and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

This 2026 Michigan Judicial Voter Guide brings everything together in one place. The goal is simple: clarity. Here, you'll find:

• An explanation of how Michigan's court system is structured
• What each level of court does
• How judges are selected and elected
• Which seats are scheduled for the 2026 ballot
• How to find the judges who serve your community
• Where to look for updated candidate information

Judges make decisions that affect families, businesses, criminal justice, property rights, healthcare, education, and constitutional protections across our state. Understanding these roles helps you make informed decisions at the ballot box.

This guide will be updated as new information becomes available.

An informed voter is a confident voter. Walk into the voting booth knowing what you're looking at — and why it matters.

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Michigan Supreme Court

Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/supreme-court/

The Michigan Supreme Court is the state's highest court, responsible for interpreting the Michigan Constitution and laws, resolving major legal disputes, and setting binding precedent for all lower courts.

• Court of last resort
• Affirm or reverse Michigan Court of Appeals
• Remand a Case to Trial Court
• General administrative supervision of all state courts
• Rules for practice and procedure for all state courts
• Appointment and recommendation for Committees and Groups

The Michigan Supreme Court receives more than 2,000 requests each year asking it to review lower-court decisions, but it selects only about 70–80 cases for full argument and opinion.

The Court acts less like another appeals court and more like a policy-level referee, choosing only the cases that will shape Michigan law.

The Michigan Supreme Court has the final say on how the state constitution and laws are interpreted, meaning its decisions can shape policies affecting reproductive rights, criminal justice, education funding, business regulations, and the everyday legal rights of Michigan residents for years to come.

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Current Michigan Supreme Court Justices

(Front row, L to R) Justice Brian Zahra, Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh, Justice Richard Bernstein (Back row, L to R) Justice Kimberly Thomas, Justice Elizabeth Welch, Justice Kyra Bolden, Justice Noah Hood

* Filling the remainder of a vacated term.

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Term and Term Limits

Supreme Court Justices are elected by voters to serve for 8-year terms. They run nonpartisan races, but are nominated to the ballot at Republican and Democratic party state conventions (this year they are March 28^th for Republicans and April 19^th for Democrats).

The Republican and Democratic party delegates vote for their chosen Supreme Court nominees. Once the nominees are selected, they appear on the nonpartisan section of the General Election ballot.

• Seats Open Every 2 Years: 2
• Term: 8 years
• Term limits: None, but must retire in the year they turn 70.
• To Get On the Ballot
  • Incumbents: may file for re-election.
  • Non-Incumbents: party nomination or nominating petition.
• Vacancy: Governor appoints a replacement until the next general election.

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Candidates for Michigan Supreme Court

Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are scheduled for election in 2026. These seats will appear on the statewide November 2026 ballot. Party delegates will nominate candidates at their state conventions before voters see them on the nonpartisan ballot.

Democratic-Nominated Candidates

The Michigan Democratic Party is expected to endorse both incumbents — Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood — at its April 19, 2026 convention in Detroit. Note: Michigan Supreme Court races appear as nonpartisan on the November ballot, but candidates are nominated by state parties at conventions.

Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh (Democratic-nominated, Incumbent)

Website: https://cavanaghandhood.com/ Current Job: Michigan Supreme Court Job Title: Chief Justice Age: 54 Date of Birth: 07/17/1971 City: Birmingham County: Oakland

Articles

• 2026-03-10 2 Michigan Supreme Court justices announce reelection campaigns (Michigan Public Radio)
• 2025-03-13 Michigan Supreme Court names Megan Cavanagh new chief justice (CBS Detroit)

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Justice Noah Hood (Democratic-nominated, Incumbent)

Website: https://www.noahhoodforjustice.com/ Current Job: Michigan Supreme Court Job Title: Justice (Appointed 2025) Age: 39 Date of Birth: 1986 City: Detroit County: Wayne

Articles

• 2026-03-10 2 Michigan Supreme Court justices announce reelection campaigns (Michigan Public Radio)
• 2025-04-23 Whitmer appoints Noah Hood to Michigan Supreme Court, expanding Democrat grip (Bridge Michigan)
• 2025-04-23 Whitmer appoints Noah Hood to Michigan Supreme Court (Michigan Advance)

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Republican-Endorsed Candidates

The Michigan Republican Party endorsed both candidates below at its March 28, 2026 convention in Novi. They will challenge the two Democratic-nominated incumbents in November.

Judge Michael Warren (GOP-Endorsed)

Website: https://judgemichaelwarren.com/ Current Job: Oakland County Circuit Court Job Title: Circuit Court Judge (since 2002) Age: Approx. 57 Date of Birth: Approx. 1967 City: - County: Oakland

Articles

• 2026-03-28 Here are the candidates Republicans backed for key Michigan offices (Detroit News)
• 2026-03-28 Michigan GOP picks Anthony Forlini, Doug Lloyd for key spots on fall ballot (Bridge Michigan)

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Judge Casandra Morse-Bills (GOP-Endorsed)

Website: https://morsebillsforjustice.com/ Current Job: 23rd Judicial Circuit / Oscoda County Courts Job Title: Judge (Probate, District, and Circuit Courts) Age: - Date of Birth: - City: - County: Oscoda

Articles

• 2026-03-28 Here are the candidates Republicans backed for key Michigan offices (Detroit News)
• 2026-03-28 Michigan Republicans hold nominating convention (WLNS)

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Court of Appeals

Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/court-of-appeals/

The Michigan Court of Appeals is the required next step after a trial court decision if someone wants to challenge the outcome.

The judges do not hold a new trial. Instead, they review the written record from the original case — transcripts, evidence, and legal arguments — to decide whether the judge followed the law correctly and whether the result should stand, be changed, or be sent back for another hearing.

• Reviews decisions made by trial courts (Circuit, District, Probate, and Court of Claims).
• Focuses on whether the law was applied properly, not who is telling the truth.
• Does not hear new witnesses or take new evidence.
• Issues written opinions that guide judges in future cases.
• Must review most appeals before the Michigan Supreme Court can consider them.

After the Court of Appeals makes a decision, the case usually ends there. A party can ask the Michigan Supreme Court to review it, but the Supreme Court chooses only a small number of cases to accept.

Michigan has a single statewide Court of Appeals divided into four geographic districts — located in Detroit, Troy, Grand Rapids, and Lansing — staffed by 25 judges who provide consistent statewide review before cases may be considered by the Michigan Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeals reviews whether trial courts applied the law correctly, and its decisions set binding guidance for lower courts — making it one of the most influential courts most voters have never heard of.

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The Current Court of Appeals Judges

(Front row L to R): Michael J. Riordan, Jane E. Markey (retired), Mark J. Cavanagh (retired), Chief Judge Michael F. Gadola, Chief Judge Pro Tem Stephen L. Borrello, Colleen A. O'Brien, Brock A. Swartzle.

(Second row L to R): Thomas C. Cameron, Anica Letica, James Robert Redford, Sima G. Patel, Noah P. Hood (appointed to Supreme Court), Kristina Robinson Garrett

(Third Row L to R): Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, Kathleen A. Feeney, Adrienne N. Young, Randy J. Wallace

(Not pictured): Christopher M. Murray, Michael J. Kelly, Mark T. Boonstra, Michelle M. Rick, Christopher P. Yates, Philip P. Mariani, Matthew S. Ackerman, Daniel S. Korobkin, Christopher M. Trebilcock, Mariam Saad Bazzi

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Term and Term Limits

Court of Appeals judges are elected by voters to serve 6-year terms. Like Supreme Court races, they appear on the ballot as nonpartisan candidates, but they are first nominated by political parties at state conventions.

• Seats Open Every 2 Years: Varies by district (based on term expiration)
• Term: 6 years
• Term limits: None, but judges must retire in the year they turn 70.
• To Get On the Ballot:
  • Incumbents: may seek renomination at party convention.
  • Non-incumbents: must secure party nomination at convention.
• Vacancy: Governor appoints a replacement until the next general election.

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Candidates for Michigan Court of Appeals

The following Court of Appeals judges have terms ending January 1, 2027, meaning their seats will appear on the 2026 ballot within their respective appellate districts. Only voters living in those judges' appellate districts will vote in these races.

Court of Appeals races are district-based, so only voters living in a judge's appellate district will see that race on their ballot. The candidate list won't be finalized until after the April 21, 2026 filing deadline. Once confirmed, the Michigan Bureau of Elections publishes the official list at michigan.gov/sos/elections — search for "Court of Appeals" under the 2026 candidate filings. You can also check Ballotpedia's Michigan Court of Appeals page, which tracks candidates as they are announced. To find out which appellate district you're in, use the Michigan Courts district map.

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Trial-Level Courts

Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/trial-courts/

Trial courts are where a case actually begins. This is where people file lawsuits, charges are brought, witnesses testify, and a judge or jury makes the first decision. Michigan has several types of trial courts, each handling different kinds of cases, but all of their decisions can be appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.

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4 Types of Trial-Level Courts

1. Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is Michigan's primary trial court for major disputes and serious criminal matters. There are 57 circuit courts (one for each judicial circuit) with over 200 judges statewide serving 6-year terms.

• Civil cases involving more than $25,000
• Felony criminal cases
• Divorce, custody, and other family matters
• Appeals from District and Probate Courts
• Includes the Court of Claims (lawsuits against the state)

Circuit Court judges handle serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, and family law matters like divorce and custody — meaning their decisions can significantly impact personal freedom, financial stability, and parental rights.

Court of Claims

The Court of Claims handles lawsuits filed against the State of Michigan and operates within the Circuit Court system. Cases are heard by Court of Appeals judges assigned to this court and apply statewide.

• Claims against state departments or agencies
• Contract disputes involving the state
• Constitutional claims against the state
• Monetary claims generally over $1,000

If someone sues the State of Michigan — whether over contracts, constitutional rights, or actions by state agencies — this court decides the outcome, affecting how state government is held accountable.

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2. Probate Court

Probate Courts handle legal matters involving personal decision-making and property after death. Michigan has 78 probate courts, typically one per county, with judges serving 6-year terms.

• Wills and estates
• Trust administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Mental health treatment orders

Probate judges oversee wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and certain mental health matters, making decisions that affect families during some of their most sensitive and vulnerable moments.

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3. District Court

District Courts handle everyday legal disputes and lower-level criminal matters. Michigan has approximately 100 district courts with judges serving 6-year terms.

• Traffic violations
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil disputes up to $25,000
• Small claims cases

District Court judges handle everyday cases — traffic tickets, misdemeanors, landlord-tenant disputes, and small civil claims — making them the judges most residents are likely to encounter.

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4. Municipal Courts

A small number of municipalities (primarily in the Grosse Pointe area) operate municipal courts instead of district courts.

• Handle the same types of minor criminal and civil matters as District Court

In the few cities that operate municipal courts, these judges handle local criminal and civil matters similar to district courts, directly impacting residents within those communities.

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Judicial Circuits: How Court Areas Are Organized

View the Map of Courts.

Michigan does not have one single trial court for the entire state. Instead, the state is divided into geographic court areas.

Each county (or group of counties) belongs to:

• A Circuit Court circuit
• A District Court district
• A Probate Court area

These boundaries determine which judge hears a case and which voters elect those judges.

A judicial circuit is the area served by a Circuit Court. Circuit Courts handle major criminal cases and large civil disputes. Voters in that circuit elect the judges who serve there.

District Courts and Probate Courts have their own separate boundaries, which are also shown on the statewide court map.

The Map of Courts shows which counties belong to which court areas. Each county is labeled with codes such as:

• C## = Circuit Court circuit number
• P## = Probate Court
• D## = District Court

Example — Circuit Court 10, Probate Court 73, District Court 70

So when you see something like Saginaw — C10, that means: Saginaw County is part of the 10th Judicial Circuit, and voters there elect the Circuit Court judges who serve that circuit.

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Term and Term Limits

Voters vote for the judges who serve the court area where they live. Your address determines which courts handle local cases — and therefore which judges appear on your ballot.

Judicial elections in Michigan are nonpartisan on the ballot, meaning party labels do not appear next to a judge's name. However, the path to the ballot depends on the level of court.

Unlike the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, trial court judges are not nominated at party conventions. Candidates qualify for the ballot by filing nominating petitions (or paying a filing fee, where permitted) with the appropriate election official.

• Seats Open Every 2 Years: Varies by local court and term expiration
• Term: 6 years
• Term limits: None, but judges must retire in the year they turn 70
• To Get On the Ballot:
  • Incumbents: may file for re-election
  • Non-incumbents: must file nominating petitions or pay the required filing fee
• If more candidates file than seats available, a nonpartisan primary may be held
• Vacancy: Governor appoints a replacement until the next general election.

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Candidates for Trial-Level Courts (Circuit, District, Probate)

Judges do not all appear on the ballot every election year. Each judgeship has its own term, so only the seats whose terms are ending will show up for voters. In Michigan, most trial and appellate judges serve 6-year terms, and the election happens the November before the term expires.

The easiest way to check your local judges:

Option 1 – State website

• Go to the Trial Court Directory: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/trial-court-directory/
• Click on your county
• Click on Locations & Judges

Option 2 – County Website

Using Saginaw as an example:

• Go to the County website: https://www.saginawcountymi.gov/
• In the search bar, type "judges"
• Choose the court you want to examine in the search results (e.g., 10th Circuit Court)
• Click on the judge's name and review their bio page.

To determine which trial court judges may appear on your ballot, review the term expiration dates for your local Circuit, District, and Probate judges.

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How the Federal Courts Work (And How They're Different)

Michigan voters elect judges to serve in Michigan's state courts. But not all courts in the United States are elected. The federal court system is completely separate from Michigan's state court system.

The United States operates under a dual court system:

• State courts (like Michigan's courts) interpret state laws and the state constitution.
• Federal courts interpret the U.S. Constitution and federal laws.

A case goes to federal court only if it involves:

• A question about the U.S. Constitution
• A federal law
• A dispute between residents of different states (in some circumstances)
• A case involving the federal government

Most everyday legal matters — traffic violations, divorce, property disputes, state criminal charges — are handled in state courts.

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The Three Levels of Federal Courts

1. U.S. District Courts (Trial Courts)

These are the federal trial courts, where cases begin.

• Witnesses testify
• Evidence is presented
• Judges or juries make factual determinations

There are 94 federal judicial districts, with at least one in every state. Some states have multiple districts based on population. For example, California and Texas have 4 federal judicial districts. Michigan has two federal districts:

• Eastern District of Michigan
• Western District of Michigan

Each district has federal trial judges, magistrate judges (who assist with pretrial matters), and bankruptcy judges (who handle federal bankruptcy cases).

2. U.S. Courts of Appeals

If someone appeals a federal trial court decision, the case goes to a federal appellate court, often called "circuit courts." There are 13 federal appellate circuits:

• 11 numbered regional circuits
• 1 D.C. Circuit
• 1 Federal Circuit (nationwide court that handles specialized areas such as patent law, certain federal claims against the government, and international trade disputes)

Each circuit reviews appeals from the district courts within its geographic area.

Michigan is part of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which also includes Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. These courts:

• Review written records
• Do not hold new trials
• Decide whether the law was applied correctly

3. The U.S. Supreme Court

At the top of the federal system is the Supreme Court of the United States.

• Chooses which cases to hear
• Issues decisions that set nationwide precedent
• Has the final say on interpreting the U.S. Constitution

It accepts only a small percentage of the cases it is asked to review each year.

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How Federal Judges Are Selected

Unlike Michigan judges, federal judges are not elected. They are:

• Nominated by the President of the United States
• Confirmed by the U.S. Senate
• Appointed for life (during "good behavior")

Federal Judges do not run for reelection or appear on ballots. They serve until they retire, resign, or are impeached and removed.

This system was designed to insulate federal judges from political pressure by removing them from the electoral cycle.

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Why This Matters for Michigan Voters

When you vote in 2026, you are voting only for state-level judges — not federal judges. Understanding the difference helps clarify why some judges appear on your ballot and others don't and which court system handles which types of cases.

Both systems shape daily life — but they are selected in very different ways.

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Final Thoughts Before You Vote

Judicial elections don't always get the same attention as races for governor, Congress, or the legislature. Yet the judges you elect often make decisions that shape daily life in Michigan — from criminal sentencing and family law to constitutional questions and disputes involving the state itself.

Unlike many other offices, judicial candidates appear on the ballot without party labels. That can make these races feel harder to navigate. Understanding how the court system works — who serves where, how long they serve, and which seats are on your ballot — makes the process less confusing and more manageable.

If you're preparing to vote in 2026:

• Check which courts serve your address.
• Review which seats are up for election in your district.
• Look for updates as party conventions conclude and candidate filings become official.
• Confirm your ballot before heading to the polls.

This guide will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. Bookmark it, download the printable version if helpful, and return as Election Day approaches.

An informed voter is a prepared voter. When you step into the voting booth, you deserve to understand every section of your ballot — including the judicial races that often receive the least attention but carry significant long-term impact.

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Content Disclaimer: Our team researches information from official websites, news outlets, and other public resources to make it easier for Michigan residents to stay informed. We strive to provide accurate, balanced, and up-to-date information, but we may occasionally miss updates or changes. Michigan Women is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not support or oppose any political candidate or party. This content is intended solely for civic education and public awareness.