2026 Michigan General Election

Nonpartisan

Following his graduation from law school and before his time at the Prosecutor’s Office, he worked as a pre-hearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge Cobb earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wright State University.

2022 Annual Report for the Third Judicial Circuit

Judge Cobb earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wright State University. Outside the courtroom, Judge Cobb is the pastor of the Mount Beulah Baptist Church of Detroit. He lives in Canton with his wife, Bernadine, and their two daughters.

Bradley L. Cobb holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Wright State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He is the pastor of Mount Beulah Baptist Church of Detroit. He lives in Canton with his wife, Bernadine, and their two daughters.

Criminal - Third Circuit Court

Judge Bradley Cobb was appointed to the Third Circuit Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in August of this year to fill a partial term created when Judge Lawrence Talon resigned in April. Judge Cobb comes to the bench after having served over 25 years as an assistant prosecutor for Wayne County. In addition to having tried many cases over the years, he also served in several managerial capacities: principal attorney for the Out-County Division, the Diversion and Community Prosecution Units, and as lead Attorney for the Violent Crimes Unit.

In addition to having tried many cases over the years, he also served in several managerial capacities: principal attorney for the Out-County Division, the Diversion and Community Prosecution Units, and as lead Attorney for the Violent Crimes Unit. For the four years preceding his appointment, Judge Cobb served as a docket supervisor in the General Trials Division and as chaplain for the Prosecutor’s Office. Following his graduation from law school and before his time at the Prosecutor’s Office, he worked as a pre-hearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Bradley previously worked as an assistant prosecutor for Wayne County, including as a docket supervisor in the General Trials Division and principal attorney for the Out-County Division and the Diversion and Community Prosecution Units. He also worked as lead attorney for the Violent Crimes Unit and as a pre-hearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals.

“I am so grateful to Governor Whitmer for appointing me to a seat on the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court bench that will allow me to continue to serve the citizens of Wayne County,” said Cobb. “I have committed myself to public service for over 25 years and in this new role I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of the entire Wayne County community. I vow to be fair, cordial, seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly as I carry out the duties of the office to which Governor Whitmer has appointed me.”

Justice Prevails: Judge Bradley Cobb Appointed and Anointed | The Michigan Chronicle

Bradley was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to a seat on the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court.

Justice Prevails: Judge Bradley Cobb Appointed and Anointed

As of September 14, 2026, Bradley L. Cobb did not have a website or any information online.

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

As Judge Cobb prepares to take on his new role, he emphasizes the importance of community engagement and transparency in the judicial process. "Justice is not just about the law; it's about the people it affects," he remarked.

Said he will strive to be fair, seek justice, and carry out judicial duties with mercy and humility.

Said justice should account for the people affected by legal decisions.

- Said he will strive to be fair, seek justice, and carry out judicial duties with mercy and humility.
- Said justice should account for the people affected by legal decisions.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Judge Chandra W. Baker-Robinson

Board Member
Third Circuit Court of Michigan

Judge Bradley L. Cobb

Board Member
Third Circuit Court of Michigan
Detroit Bar Association                  Association of Black Judges of Michigan

Our Team | Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry

The Michigan Center for Civic Education held its annual high school regional mock trial competition regional series on Saturday, February 8, at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. Students participating in the mock trial were given case details in advance, giving them time to prepare for it. As the host of the February event, Third Circuit Court judges provided critiques and advice in helping to determine the winning teams.

﻿A special thank you goes to all volunteers, including our Third Judicial Circuit judges who participated in the event, including Judge Bradley Cobb, Judge Qiana Lillard, Judge Nicole Goodson, Judge Lawrence Elassal, Judge Anne McCarthy, and Judge Wanda Evans.

Email from Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan

Serves on the board of Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry.

Volunteered at a Michigan Center for Civic Education high school mock trial competition.

- Serves on the board of Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry.
- Volunteered at a Michigan Center for Civic Education high school mock trial competition.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Bradley L. Cobb

As of September 14, 2026, Bradley L. Cobb’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Volunteered at a Michigan Center for Civic Education high school mock trial competition.

YouTube

:BACKGROUND TYPE: personal

Bradley L. Cobb earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Wright State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He is a pastor at Mount Beulah Baptist Church in Detroit. He lives in Canton with his wife, Bernadine, and their two daughters.

- Pledges to be fair and cordial, seek justice, love mercy, and act humbly while carrying out judicial duties.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

Judge Testani is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Wayne County Family Bar Association, Detroit Bar Association, and Women Lawyers Association. Judge Testani was honored to be named as the recipient of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan 2023 Mary S. Coleman Award. She received a BS at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a JD from Wayne State University Law School.

Contributor Biography

She also serves the legal community through presentations for continuing legal educational programs specifically addressing family law, procedural law, and best practices. Judge Testani promotes the judicial system by volunteering in local schools and public speaking to various community organizations. She lives in Northville with her husband and three children.

WLAM Awards

Carla G. Testani earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She lives in Northville with her husband and three children.

Hon. Carla G. Testani - Contributor Biography

Carla Testani (About) - Women Lawyers Association of Michigan

Hon. Carla G. Testani has served in the Family-Domestic Division of the 3rd Circuit Court of Michigan since 2018. After receiving a Bachelor’s of Science at the University of Michigan- Dearborn, she graduated from Wayne State University Law School. In law school, she represented indigent residents of Wayne County as a litigation supervisor in Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic. For two decades before joining the bench, she concentrated her private practice in the area of matrimonial law, and spent a significant amount of time as both a mediator/arbitrator and collaborative practitioner.

Carla G. Testani previously focused her private practice on matrimonial law and worked as a mediator, arbitrator, and collaborative-law practitioner. In law school, she represented low-income Wayne County residents as a litigation supervisor in Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic.

Carla has served in the Family-Domestic Division of Michigan’s 3rd Circuit Court since 2018.

Has served as a judge in the Family-Domestic Division of Michigan’s 3rd Circuit Court since 2018, overseeing family court matters.

Worked as a mediator and arbitrator while in private practice focused on matrimonial law.

Worked as a mediator and arbitrator focused on matrimonial law while in private practice.

Represented low-income Wayne County residents as a litigation supervisor in Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic while in law school.

- Has served as a judge in the Family-Domestic Division of Michigan’s 3rd Circuit Court since 2018, overseeing family court matters.
- Worked as a mediator and arbitrator focused on matrimonial law while in private practice.
- Represented low-income Wayne County residents as a litigation supervisor in Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic while in law school.

As of September 16, 2026, Carla G. Testani did not have a website or any information online.

Volunteers in local schools to promote the judicial system.

Speaks to community organizations to promote the judicial system.

Represented low-income Wayne County residents through Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic while in law school.

- Volunteers in local schools to promote the judicial system.
- Speaks to community organizations to promote the judicial system.
- Represented low-income Wayne County residents through Wayne State’s Free Legal Aid Clinic while in law school.

Carla G. Testani

As of September 16, 2026, Carla G. Testani’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Brickman

Practiced matrimonial law in private practice for two decades before joining the bench.

CHANDRA BAKER-ROBINSON: A NON-TRADITIONAL JOURNEY TO THE BENCH
Cleveland-born Chandra Baker-Robinson (JD’03) came to Detroit as a child and adopted the city’s ethos of hard work and grit as her own – first as a high-achieving Cass Tech student and then at the University of Michigan.

Propelling First-Generation Students to New Heights, One Success at a Time

Judge Baker-Robinson joins the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry Board

Judge Chandra W. Baker-Robinson has joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry (WCJOM). The WCJOM is an interfaith 501(c)3 nonprofit, supporting religious services for inmates while housed at the Wayne County Jail, regardless of denomination. The organization also helps returning citizens rejoin society with clothing, food, job placement, and mentoring.

Third Circuit Court July 2024 eNewsletter

Chandra W. Baker-Robinson was born in Cleveland and came to Detroit as a child. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a law degree in 2003. She joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry.

Propelling First-Generation Students to New Heights, One Success ...

Chandra was born in Cleveland and came to Detroit as a child. She attended the University of Michigan and earned a law degree in 2003. She joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry.

But in addition to being a first-gen student, Baker-Robinson was also a non-traditional one, coming to Wayne Law at age 36 after a career in pharmaceutical sales. A loan covering tuition and housing expenses was key to her being able to enroll, but a challenge remained in supporting herself during the summer.

The former pharmaceutical sales representative was hired for a summer associate position at Miller Canfield during her second year at Wayne Law and then again the following summer. Those summer associate roles led to a full-time associate position at Miller Canfield. But while working for a prestigious law firm was rewarding both professionally and financially, Baker-Robinson felt driven to make a difference in the heart of the community.

Those summer associate roles led to a full-time associate position at Miller Canfield. But while working for a prestigious law firm was rewarding both professionally and financially, Baker-Robinson felt driven to make a difference in the heart of the community. That led to her leaving the firm after five years to work for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Chandra W. Baker-Robinson worked in pharmaceutical sales, served as an associate at Miller Canfield, and worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Chandra worked in pharmaceutical sales, served as an associate at Miller Canfield, and worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Going back to school at age 36 was a challenge, especially in a demanding law school environment, and Baker-Robinson admits “it took a lot of work to understand legal thinking and procedure.” Yet she persisted and benefited from internships and clerkships, including one with US District Judge Victoria Roberts of the Eastern District of Michigan. That experience influenced Baker-Robinson to run for and be elected as a Judge in the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in 2020.

Chandra was elected to Michigan's Third Judicial Circuit Court in 2020.

Chandra W. Baker-Robinson was elected to Michigan's Third Judicial Circuit Court in 2020.

That led to her leaving the firm after five years to work for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. There she excelled not only on the prosecutorial front – winning a 2018 “Prosecutor of the Year” award from the International Association of Arson Investigators – but as a supervisor working with her staff and defense counsel to find the best resolution for all parties.

Elected to the Third Judicial Circuit in 2020, Judge Baker-Robinson is a trial judge in the Criminal Division and has presided in the court’s Adult Drug Treatment Program.

As a prosecutor and supervisor in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, worked with staff and defense counsel to resolve cases.

As a Third Judicial Circuit judge, presides over criminal cases and the Adult Drug Treatment Program.

- As a prosecutor and supervisor in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, worked with staff and defense counsel to resolve cases.
- As a Third Judicial Circuit judge, presides over criminal cases and the Adult Drug Treatment Program.

As of September 14, 2026, Chandra W. Baker-Robinson did not have a website or any information online.

Joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry, an interfaith nonprofit serving jail inmates and returning citizens.

- Joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry, an interfaith nonprofit serving jail inmates and returning citizens.

Facebook

Chandra W. Baker-Robinson

As of September 14, 2026, Chandra W. Baker-Robinson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Organizes an annual Cass Technical High School outing to the Criminal Justice Center through the Pathways to Law program.
- Joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry, an interfaith nonprofit serving jail inmates and returning citizens.

Elder went to law school and worked full time while she was raising a family. She was born and raised in Metro Detroit and now she’s serving the community she’s proud to call home.

How a Dearborn judge broke barriers while raising a family

Prior to her appointment, Charlene served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in Dearborn, and her Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law.

Judge Charlene Elder

Charlene M. Elder was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Dearborn and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

Judge Charlene Elder - Arab American Business News - Ya Michigan

Hon. Charlene M. Elder was appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm in 2005 to serve as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court. She currently sits in the Family Division of the court, handling domestic relations matters. Judge Elder is also one of the judges involved in Wayne County's new Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court designed to offer wider services to victims of domestic violence who obtain personal protection orders against their perpetrators. Prior to her appointment, she was a private practitioner who specialized in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

Prior to her appointment, she was a private practitioner who specialized in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. Judge Elder also served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court from 2003 to 2005. A graduate of the Detroit College of Law, she is a board member for the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS-Michigan), an advisory board member for the Michigan chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and a member of the Michigan Judges Association.

Charlene Elder previously worked as a private practitioner specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. She also served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court.

Hon. Charlene M. Elder - Contributor Biography

Charlene previously worked as a private practitioner specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. She also served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court.

Judge Charlene Elder
February 1, 2020
Khalil Hachem
3069 Views
Arab American judges,Dearborn,Judge Charlene elder
Charlene M. Elder was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in December 2005 to serve as a judge for the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. She currently sits in the Family Division of the court, handling a variety of domestic relations cases involving divorce, child custody, and personal protection matters.

Q & A with Judge Charlene Elder, Wayne County Circuit Court
By Kanika Ferency posted 07-01-2019 10:12

Charlene M. Elder has served as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court since 2005. She currently sits in the Family Division of the court, handling a variety of domestic relations cases involving divorce, child custody, and personal protection matters. Judge Elder is one of three judges who helped initiate the Domestic Violence Prevention Court, designed to offer a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence who obtain personal protection orders against their perpetrators.

Q & A with Judge Charlene Elder, Wayne County Circuit Court

Charlene has served as a judge on the Wayne County Third Circuit Court since 2005. She was appointed to the court in December 2005 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Has served as a judge on the Wayne County Third Circuit Court since 2005, handling divorce, child-custody, and personal-protection matters in the Family Division.

Served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court from 2003 to 2005.

Worked in private legal practice, specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

- Has served as a judge on the Wayne County Third Circuit Court since 2005, handling divorce, child-custody, and personal-protection matters in the Family Division.
- Served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court from 2003 to 2005.
- Worked in private legal practice, specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

When is your motion call?
Wayne County motion call day is Friday; however, I will hear motions on other days of the week as well. The number of motions is different based on the division one sits in, and if motions are going to be heard throughout the week, I try not to schedule more than 14-15 motions on any given Friday because each motion can come with multiple cross-motions and may require extra time to deal with.

Charlene M. Elder has served as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court since 2005. She currently sits in the Family Division of the court, handling a variety of domestic relations cases involving divorce, child custody, and personal protection matters. Judge Elder is one of three judges who helped initiate the Domestic Violence Prevention Court, designed to offer a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence who obtain personal protection orders against their perpetrators.

What types of pretrial conferences do you hold and what happens at them?

We hold case management conferences at the onset of our cases. These conferences make the court aware of relevant issues so that the court can order needed services (such as FAME, FOC, mediation, supervised parenting time, and more). The court will also schedule settlement or status conference dates so that the attorneys and litigants can make the court aware of the case’s progress.

Hears motions on days in addition to the county's Friday motion call and generally limits Friday calendars to 14–15 motions.

As a circuit court judge, helped initiate the Domestic Violence Prevention Court to provide services to victims with personal protection orders.

Uses early case-management conferences to identify issues, order needed services, and schedule settlement or status conferences.

- Hears motions on days in addition to the county's Friday motion call and generally limits Friday calendars to 14–15 motions.
- As a circuit court judge, helped initiate the Domestic Violence Prevention Court to provide services to victims with personal protection orders.
- Uses early case-management conferences to identify issues, order needed services, and schedule settlement or status conferences.

Through the years, she’s evolved and found new ways to give back to the community where she grew up and raised her own family.

“People want to be heard and I try to give them the opportunity to be heard,” Elder said. “People are going to go home feeling upset sometimes because they know their family dynamics better than I could ever know their family dynamics, and I’m getting them for a snippet in time, trying to do what’s best for their children and best for them.”

Do you have any particular briefing requirements? What sort of arguments in a brief do you find compelling?
I do require briefs before trial or evidentiary hearings. Briefs are also helpful when motions present issues that are not routine or not so common. Often cases present unique issues warranting a review of the current law and caselaw. Compelling arguments will cite the authority behind the position taken. Briefs that cite (preferably published) cases and that can differentiate and support the current argument are always helpful.

Is there anything else you would like Michigan lawyers to know?

Family law is already contentious enough. Advocate for your client, but try not to disparage the attorney on the other side—it’s unprofessional.

Said she tries to give people involved in family-court cases an opportunity to be heard while deciding what is best for them and their children.

Requires written legal arguments before trials and hearings involving evidence and considers legal sources central to compelling arguments.

Calls on family-law attorneys to advocate for clients without disparaging opposing counsel.

- Said she tries to give people involved in family-court cases an opportunity to be heard while deciding what is best for them and their children.
- Requires written legal arguments before trials and hearings involving evidence and considers legal sources central to compelling arguments.
- Calls on family-law attorneys to advocate for clients without disparaging opposing counsel.

As of September 14, 2026, Charlene M. Elder did not have a website or any information online.

In addition to having served on several boards throughout her career, she was named Judge of the Year by Moms and Dads of Michigan in 2009. She currently serves on the board of ACCESS, and is an advisory board member of the Wayne Mediation Center in Dearborn.

Serves on the advisory board of the Wayne Mediation Center in Dearborn.

- Serves on the board of ACCESS.
- Serves on the advisory board of the Wayne Mediation Center in Dearborn.

Charlene M. Elder

- Uses early case-management conferences to identify issues, order needed services, and schedule settlement or status conferences.

- Requires written legal arguments before trials and hearings involving evidence and considers legal sources central to compelling arguments.
- Calls on family-law attorneys to advocate for clients without disparaging opposing counsel.

As of September 14, 2026, Charlene M. Elder’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Charlene M. Elder earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. She has adult children.

Charlene M. Elder previously worked as a solo practitioner, with a practice focused on consumer protection, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

Charlene currently serves as a judge for the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. She was appointed to the court in December 2005 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

- Serves as a judge on the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court in the Family Division, handling divorce, paternity, custody, parenting-time, property-division, and personal-protection-order cases.
- Served as a judicial magistrate in Dearborn's 19th District Court before joining the circuit court.
- Worked as a solo legal practitioner specializing in consumer protection, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

- Requires briefs before trials or evidentiary hearings and finds legal authority particularly helpful in nonroutine cases.
- Uses early case-management conferences to identify issues, order services, and schedule settlement or status conferences in family cases.

- Seeks to give family-court litigants an opportunity to be heard while deciding what is best for them and their children.
- Says disparaging opposing counsel in family-law cases is unprofessional.

Charlene M. Elder was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in Dearborn and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

Charlene previously practiced privately, specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

Charlene was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in December 2005 to serve as a judge for the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court and has served on the court since 2005.

- Practiced privately, specializing in consumer protection, commercial transactions, and general litigation.
- Served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court from 2003 to 2005.

- Limits Friday motion calendars to 14–15 motions while hearing motions on other weekdays.
- Requires briefs before trials or evidentiary hearings and finds legal authority particularly helpful for uncommon motion issues.
- Uses early case-management conferences to identify issues, order needed services, and schedule settlement or status conferences.

Charlene M. Elder was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. She raised a family while attending law school and working full time.

Charlene M. Elder previously worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. She also served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court.

Charlene was appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm in 2005 to serve as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court and currently serves on the court.

- Limits the number of motions heard on Fridays to 14–15 while hearing motions on other weekdays.
- Requires written legal arguments before trials and evidentiary hearings and values legal arguments supported by cited authority.
- Holds early case-management conferences to identify service needs and schedule settlement or status conferences.

- Advises lawyers to be prepared, know the law and requested relief, and address best-interest factors in custody hearings.

Charlene M. Elder was born and raised in Metro Detroit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in Dearborn and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. She serves on the board of ACCESS and is an advisory board member of the Wayne Mediation Center in Dearborn.

Charlene M. Elder previously worked as a private practitioner specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. She also served as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court.

Charlene was appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm in 2005 to serve as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court.

Charlene M. Elder previously worked in private practice, specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation.

Charlene currently serves as a judge for the Wayne County Third Circuit Court. She was appointed in 2005 by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm.

A biographical profile states: “Born in Washington, D.C., Dingell was a resident of Trenton, Michigan, at the time of his election. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter. The family attends Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.”

Judge Christopher D. Dingell - Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The profile summarizes his education and legal admissions: “Dingell earned a bachelor’s degree in materials and metallurgical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1978. He then completed a J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1986. He is admitted to practice in Michigan (1987) and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (1988).”

Chris Dingell is originally from Washington, D.C. He earned a bachelor's degree in materials and metallurgical engineering from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. He and his wife, Cindy, have one daughter, and the family attends Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

A 2002 candidate profile reported on Dingell's pre-judicial legal work: “When Dingell entered the Senate, he was practicing law. Much of his work dealt with family law.”

Election 2002

Chris Dingell previously practiced law, much of it in family law.

Chris previously practiced law, much of it in family law.

The judicial profile states: “The Hon. Christopher D. Dingell is a judge for the Third Circuit Court in Michigan. He was elected to the bench in 2002 and re-elected in 2008, 2014, and 2020.”

The judicial profile reports: “After graduating from law school, Dingell represented the 7th District as a member of the Michigan Senate.” A Michigan Legislative Manual search result additionally identifies election to the State Senate in 1986, 1990, 1994, and 1998.

Chris currently serves as a judge for Michigan's Third Circuit Court. He was elected to the bench in 2002 and reelected in 2008, 2014, and 2020. Chris previously represented the 7th District in the Michigan Senate.

Practiced law before entering the Michigan Senate, with much of his work in family law.

- Practiced law before entering the Michigan Senate, with much of his work in family law.

In an October 24, 2002 interview while running for the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Dingell said he would use his legislative skills as a consensus builder to ensure litigants understand priorities. He then stated: “A judge should make it clear that children come first,” Dingell said. “A judge, taking an active hand in the development of the case at an early time, can produce a much more positive, or much less negative, result than would otherwise be the case.” Targeted searches for newer statements on Christopher Dingell's judicial philosophy and court administration did not identify a contradictory or superseding position.

Said judges should prioritize children and take an active role early in cases to improve outcomes.

- Said judges should prioritize children and take an active role early in cases to improve outcomes.

As of September 14, 2026, Chris Dingell did not have a website or any information online.

A biographical profile lists community and civic affiliations: “His memberships have included the Economic Club of Detroit, the United Conservation Clubs, the Polish Roman Catholic Union, the Polish American Congress, and the Trenton Exchange Club. He has also been involved with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of the Downriver YMCA.”

Was a member of the Economic Club of Detroit.

Was a member of the United Conservation Clubs.

Was a member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union.

Was a member of the Polish American Congress.

Was a member of the Trenton Exchange Club.

Was involved with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.

- Was a member of the Economic Club of Detroit.
- Was a member of the United Conservation Clubs.
- Was a member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union.
- Was a member of the Polish American Congress.
- Was a member of the Trenton Exchange Club.
- Was involved with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Dingell

As of September 14, 2026, Chris Dingell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Christopher M. Blount currently serves as a judge with the 36th District Court in Detroit. As a judge, he is cross designated for the district and circuit court and is one of the presiding judges over the Street Outreach Court. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Blount was a private practice attorney specializing in probate and misdemeanor and felony defense matters. He also served as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office focused on felony defense and criminal trial practice. [...] Additionally, Judge Blount serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Wayne County Community College and as a member of the Michigan State Court Administrator Office Judicial Usability Workgroup.

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

Christopher M. Blount serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Wayne County Community College. He previously worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in probate matters and in misdemeanor and felony defense matters, and as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office.

Christopher serves as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Wayne County Community College. He previously worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in probate matters and in misdemeanor and felony defense matters, and as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office.

Christopher M. Blount - Ballotpedia

Christopher M. Blount is a judge of the Michigan 3rd Circuit Court.

Serves as a judge on Detroit's 36th District Court and is cross-designated for district and circuit court.

Worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in probate matters and misdemeanor and felony defense.

Served as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office, focusing on felony defense and criminal trial practice.

- Serves as a judge on Detroit's 36th District Court and is cross-designated for district and circuit court.
- Worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in probate matters and misdemeanor and felony defense.
- Served as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office, focusing on felony defense and criminal trial practice.

As of September 14, 2026, Christopher M. Blount did not have a website or any information online.

As a judge, he will not treat people as if they are disposable, he will exercise discretion in favor of what is good for the citizens. He will protect the rights of all citizens, dealing fairly but firmly with criminals while also protecting the rights of the innocent.

News from Christopher M. Blount

“It is with humility and thanks that I accept this appointment from Governor Whitmer to serve the citizens of Wayne County,” said Judge Blount. “I look forward to presiding over an accessible and transparent courtroom that treats all citizens equitably and with respect.”

Pledges to protect citizens' rights while treating criminal defendants fairly but firmly and protecting innocent people.

Plans to preside over an accessible and transparent courtroom that treats all citizens equitably and with respect.

- Pledges to protect citizens' rights while treating criminal defendants fairly but firmly and protecting innocent people.
- Plans to preside over an accessible and transparent courtroom that treats all citizens equitably and with respect.

Christopher M. Blount

- Worked as a private-practice attorney specializing in probate matters and misdemeanor and felony defense.
- Served as a deputy defender with the State Defender Office, focusing on felony defense and criminal trial practice.

As of September 14, 2026, Christopher M. Blount’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Plans to preside over an accessible and transparent courtroom that treats all citizens equitably and with respect.

- 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.

Michigan Circuit Court Judge, District 3, Position Incumbent

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Michigan Circuit Court Judge, District 3, Position Incumbent

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