2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

Mabel is from Berrien County, Michigan. She attended Purdue University. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She has a Juris Doctor degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana. She attends her local church.

Mabel Johnson Mayfield earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Mabel is a district court judge. She works at the Family Division of the 5th District Court in Berrien County, Michigan, where she has served since January 2000 and has been Chief Judge since January 2020. She previously worked as a juvenile court attorney referee for seven years and as an attorney for Berrien County Legal Services for ten years.

Mabel Johnson Mayfield - Ballotpedia

Mabel previously worked as a juvenile court attorney referee and as an attorney for Berrien County Legal Services. 

Mabel Johnson Mayfield is currently a district court judge for the Family Division of the 5th District Court, which presides over Berrien County in Michigan. She was appointed to the court by Governor John Engler in January 2000 and subsequently elected in November 2008 and November 2014, serving three terms.

Judicial Honors | Judicature - Duke University

Mabel currently serves as Chief Judge of the Berrien County Trial Court and served as Probate Court Judge for Berrien County. She was first appointed to the Berrien County Probate Bench in 2000 and served three terms. She was appointed Chief Judge of the Berrien County Trial Court by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2020 and is serving her first term.


As Chief Judge of the Berrien County Trial Court since 2020, assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court's schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.

As Probate Court Judge for Berrien County since 2000, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.

As Presiding Judge of the Family Division of the Berrien County Trial Court, administered family court proceedings including divorce, legal separation, spousal support, child custody and support, and domestic violence protection orders.

Has ten years of experience with Berrien County Legal Services and served seven years as a juvenile court attorney referee.

As a Juvenile Court Attorney Referee for seven years prior to her appointment, conducted hearings, issued recommendations and rulings on behalf of the presiding judge, and oversaw cases involving individuals under 18 who were abused, neglected, or parentless.


As a staff attorney at Berrien County Legal Services for 10 years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients in civil legal matters.

- As Chief Judge of the Berrien County Trial Court since 2020, assigns cases to lower magistrates, determines the court's schedule, and appoints magistrates to be confirmed by the superior court.
- As Probate Court Judge for Berrien County since 2000, administers the wills and estates of deceased persons, appoints guardians to incapacitated adults and minors, commits individuals for involuntary treatment of addiction to drugs or alcohol and mental illness, issues marriage licenses, and oversees certain cases dealing with criminal conduct.
- As Presiding Judge of the Family Division of the Berrien County Trial Court, administered family court proceedings including divorce, legal separation, spousal support, child custody and support, and domestic violence protection orders.
- As a Juvenile Court Attorney Referee for seven years prior to her appointment, conducted hearings, issued recommendations and rulings on behalf of the presiding judge, and oversaw cases involving individuals under 18 who were abused, neglected, or parentless.

- As a staff attorney at Berrien County Legal Services for 10 years, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients in civil legal matters.

Legal Experience

As of May 4, 2026, Mabel Johnson Mayfield did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Serves on the Board of Directors for the Benton Harbor Readiness Center.

Served on the Board of Directors for the Area Agency on Aging.

Serves on the Executive Board of the Berrien Community Foundation.

Serves on Michigan's Great Southwest Strategic Leadership Council.

Active member of the Purdue Club of Southwestern Michigan.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Is very active in her local church and provides motivational and educational presentations for area schools and community groups.

- Serves on the Board of Directors for the Benton Harbor Readiness Center.
- Served on the Board of Directors for the Area Agency on Aging.
- Serves on the Executive Board of the Berrien Community Foundation.
- Serves on Michigan's Great Southwest Strategic Leadership Council.
- Active member of the Purdue Club of Southwestern Michigan.
- She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Lifetime member of the NAACP.
- Is very active in her local church and provides motivational and educational presentations for area schools and community groups.

Community Involvement

Mabel Johnson Mayfield

As of May 4, 2026, Mabel Johnson Mayfield’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

- A probate court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s probate court system, which handles legal matters involving estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and certain family and mental health proceedings.
- Michigan probate 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 county, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan probate court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles wills, estates, guardianships, and family protection cases.

Probate Court Judge

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