2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

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Berrien County Drunk Driving, DUI, and Criminal Defense Attorneys

Gordon Gary Hosbein earned a bachelor's degree in communication from Oakland University and a law degree from WMU-Cooley Law School. He is a married father of three and a member of his local church.

Gordon is a district court judge. He works at the 5th District Court's Criminal Division in Berrien County, Michigan, where he has been since his appointment in August 2018. He previously worked for the Macomb County Prosecutor's office.

Gordon Hosbein - Ballotpedia

He previously worked for the Macomb County Prosecutor's office.

Gordon is a district court judge at the 5th District Court's Criminal Division in Berrien County, Michigan, where he has been since his appointment in August 2018.

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Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

As a state trial court judge, Hosbein oversees civil and criminal trials, exercises limited judicial authority in certain types of civil actions, and conducts preliminary examinations in criminal cases.

As a county prosecutor, he oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

- As a state trial court judge, Hosbein oversees civil and criminal trials, exercises limited judicial authority in certain types of civil actions, and conducts preliminary examinations in criminal cases.
- As a county prosecutor, he oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, worked with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and investigate criminal and civil violations, and provided legal counsel and representation to state, county, and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

Legal Experience

As of May 4, 2026, Gordon Gary Hosbein did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Volunteers in Berrien County as a member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club and the Blossomtime festival committee.

- Volunteers in Berrien County as a member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club and the Blossomtime festival committee.

Community Involvement

Gordon Gary Hosbein

As of May 4, 2026, Gordon Gary Hosbein’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Isaac Brickman

Graham Shirley

Atty Jennifer Fields: Like Father, Like Daughter

Assistant public defender running for district judge in Berrien County

Jennifer E. Fields is originally from Berrien County, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree from Western Michigan University. She lives in Berrien County, Michigan. 

Jennifer's campaign for 5th Judicial District Court Judge in Berrien County is her first run for public office.

Jennifer currently serves as an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office. She is a past president of the Berrien County Bar Association. She briefly operated her own private practice, the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, specializing in criminal defense, before joining the Public Defender's Office.  She also previously externed with the Benton Harbor Law Office of Burch and Banyon. 

As an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office since 2016, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney, appearing in court nearly every day.

As a private practice attorney at the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal defense matters including DUI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, family law, and license restorations.

As a legal extern at the Law Offices of Burch and Banyon in Benton Harbor, researched legal theories and precedents and assisted with case preparation.

- As an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office since 2016, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney, appearing in court nearly every day.
- As a private practice attorney at the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal defense matters including DUI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, family law, and license restorations.
- As a legal extern at the Law Offices of Burch and Banyon in Benton Harbor, researched legal theories and precedents and assisted with case preparation.

As of May 4, 2026, Jennifer E. Fields did not have a website or any information online.

Jennifer E. Fields

Pavel Tantchev

Allegan County names new Prosecuting Attorney

Myrene Kay Koch earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Myrene previously worked as a chief assistant prosecutor and an assistant prosecutor for Allegan County.

Myrene Kay Koch (Allegan County Prosecuting Attorney, Michigan ...

Myrene currently serves as the prosecuting attorney for Allegan County, Michigan. She was appointed in 2018, elected to a partial term later that year, and re-elected in 2020 and 2024.

'Focused on justice': Prosecutor Myrene Koch prepares for third run in Allegan

As county prosecutor, oversees civil and criminal prosecutions, works with law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal and civil violations, and provides legal counsel and representation to county and city officials in lawsuits against the government.

As an assistant prosecutor, she oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, prepared cases for trial, and conducted interviews with victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officials.

- As county prosecutor, oversees civil and criminal prosecutions, works with law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal and civil violations, and provides legal counsel and representation to county and city officials in lawsuits against the government.
- As an assistant prosecutor, she oversaw civil and criminal prosecutions, prepared cases for trial, and conducted interviews with victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officials.

Supports expanding specialty court programs, including sobriety treatment court, mental health court, and veteran’s court programs.

Supports improving prosecutorial efficiency and case management.

Supports increasing staffing and budget resources for prosecutor offices in response to population growth and increased crime rates.

- Supports expanding specialty court programs, including sobriety treatment court, mental health court, and veteran’s court programs.
- Supports improving prosecutorial efficiency and case management.
- Supports increasing staffing and budget resources for prosecutor offices in response to population growth and increased crime rates.

Advocates for a victim-focused approach to prosecution.

Emphasizes public safety and accountability in criminal prosecutions.

Supports rehabilitation-focused alternatives for some defendants through treatment and diversion programs.

- Advocates for a victim-focused approach to prosecution.
- Emphasizes public safety and accountability in criminal prosecutions.
- Supports rehabilitation-focused alternatives for some defendants through treatment and diversion programs.

Faced allegations during her 2020 campaign regarding email communications with a circuit court judge during a 2019 criminal trial. A complaint filed with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission was dismissed in 2022.

Responded to conflict of interest concerns regarding campaign support from Allegan County Board Chair Jim Storey by stating the county budget approval process includes “checks and balances in place” involving multiple officials and commissioners.

- Faced allegations during her 2020 campaign regarding email communications with a circuit court judge during a 2019 criminal trial. A complaint filed with the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission was dismissed in 2022.
- Responded to conflict of interest concerns regarding campaign support from Allegan County Board Chair Jim Storey by stating the county budget approval process includes “checks and balances in place” involving multiple officials and commissioners.

As of May 4, 2026, Myrene Kay Koch did not have a website or any information online.

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Myrene Kay Koch

As of May 4, 2026, Myrene Kay Koch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Sahid Burgos

- A district court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s district court system, which handles many lower-level legal matters and preliminary criminal proceedings.
- District courts hear civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000, as well as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims cases, traffic violations, and civil infractions.
- District 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 their district, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan district court judge is approximately $181,000 per year.

A judge who handles local criminal, civil, and traffic cases.

District Court Judge

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