Michigan voters Nov. 5 will elect two justices to the state’s Supreme Court from a ballot of four candidates. One post is for an 8-year term opened by the decision of Justice David Viviano to step down at the end of the year. The other is to finish the term held by Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, who was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023 to replace Justice Bridget McCormack, who resigned.
Although the candidates for the court are presented on the ballot as nonpartisan, Republican and Democratic conventions each nominate candidates for openings.
Justice Bolden and law professor Kimberly Thomas are the state Democrats’ nominees. Republicans nominated State Rep. Andrew Fink and Branch County Circuit Judge Patrick William O’Grady.
Democrats now have a 4-3 majority. The election results could range from a 5-2 majority for Democrats to a 4-3 majority for Republicans.
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden
Justice Bolden has served as the first Black woman on the Michigan Supreme Court Justice for over a year and a half, and has authored 8 majority opinions thus far. The Michigan Supreme Court has offered a unique opportunity to leverage her experience as a legislator, litigator, and public servant in a single position. Justice Bolden believes the most pressing issue facing the judiciary is access to justice and trust in our institutions. Justice should not be dependent upon who you are or how much money you have. Her time has taught her about serving justice in accordance with the law, and highlighted how critical diverse voices with varied backgrounds are in making decisions to protect justice. As a Justice, she has faced this issue through various task forces and court rule changes. She has also made herself available to the community by speaking to various faith-based organizations, bar associations, and afterschool programs to promote accessibility and transparency in our judiciary. Throughout her tenure on the court, she’s proud to have made critical decisions that will help shape what justice looks like for generations to come. Her work is not done; which is why she is running for retention.
Kimberly Ann Thomas
Kimberly Ann Thomas is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and law professor at the University of Michigan Law School. Kimberly directs the Juvenile Justice Clinic, where she teaches students the ethical practice of law and works to improve the lives of Michigan youth. Kimberly will bring a new voice of integrity and fairness, grounded in her knowledge applying the law and dedication to equal justice for all Michiganders. Thomas has earned the support of the Michigan AFL-CIO, MEA, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, UAW, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, Reproductive Freedom For All, and many other organizations, elected officials, and community leaders. To see the full list of endorsements and to learn more about the campaign please visit electkimberlythomas.com and follow Kimberly on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, @KTforJustice
Andrew Fink
As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Andrew Fink is running to restore our judiciary’s commitment to protecting the will of the people, interpreting the law as it is written, and ensuring everyone receives due process, not just insiders. Andrew graduated from Hillsdale College and the University of Michigan Law School, after which he commissioned into active duty service in the United States Marine Corps as a judge advocate. After leaving the Marines, Andrew practiced law privately, eventually moving back to Hillsdale with Lauren, his wife of 15 years, and their five children. As the son of a police officer and the grandson of a former district court judge, Andrew knows the value of public service and the rule of law. He has served as a commissioner-at-large for the State Bar of Michigan, was appointed to the Michigan Commission on Uniform State Laws, and is currently the state representative for Michigan’s 35th House District, which includes Hillsdale County, Branch County, and the City of Hudson. He is the Republican nominee for the 8-year seat on the Michigan Supreme Court that will be on the non-partisan section of the ballot for the general election this November.
Patrick William O’Grady
Judge Patrick William O’Grady has served as judge of the Branch County Circuit Court since being elected in 2008. With over 15 years of judicial experience, he has presided over nearly 14,000 cases spanning complex litigation in both criminal and civil law. His commitment to protecting families, championing individual rights, and upholding the integrity of Michigan is evident in his distinguished record. His adherence to the rule of law in the trial court is a testament to his judicial philosophy. Judge O’Grady’s background uniquely qualifies him as the best candidate for Supreme Court. He served as a Michigan State Police trooper, and in the U.S. Army Reserve. He attended law school and was recruited into the courtroom to serve as an assistant prosecutor. He has distinguished himself on the bench and became the chief judge of the Branch County Circuit Court. His experience, from trooper to prosecutor to judge, gives him an understanding of what people are experiencing through the entire process. There isn’t a better, more experienced candidate to serve the public on the Supreme Court. Judge O’Grady will use this experience when exercising his duty to protect our families, our rights, and our state. Judge O’Grady has literally seen the law from every side and will make an excellent Supreme Court justice.
