2026 Michigan General Election

Nonpartisan

2026 Michigan Primary Election

Democrat

Republican

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Paul Ledford

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

Anna White

- 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.

Judicial Efficiency

Victim Assistance