David Thompson received his undergraduate degree from Lake Superior State University and his J. D. degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1993.

David A. Thompson (Michigan) - Ballotpedia

David Thompson sworn in Tuesday as 19th Circuit Court judge

Before taking the bench, David served as the director of the 19th Circuit Court's Family Division. He also previously served as the chief assistant prosecuting attorney for Manistee County. David is a member of the Manistee/Benzie Community Mental Health Recipient Rights Committee, the Elk's Lodge #250, and the Manistee Township Zoning Board of Appeals. He also serves as the chair of the Manistee County Child Death Review Team and is on the credit committee for Manistee Employee's Credit Union.

David is currently a judge for the 19th Circuit Court. He was first elected to the court in 2014. He was appointed to the circuit court in 2023.

Eagles takes on incumbent Thompson for circuit court judge

2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

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Republican

As of May 6, 2026, David Thompson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

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David Thompson

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

- A circuit court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s circuit court system, the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit courts handle major legal matters, including felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits, family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts and some administrative agencies.
- Michigan circuit court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections and may also be appointed to fill vacancies.
- Judges serve six-year terms and may run for reelection.
- Candidates must be licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in Michigan, admitted to practice for at least five years, qualified electors within the judicial circuit, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan circuit court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles major criminal, civil, and family court cases.