Governor Appointed - Not Elected by the People

This official was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2015 - not chosen through a public vote. They later ran unopposed in 2016 to retain the seat - voters had no alternative candidate to choose.

CH

Hon. Christopher T. Haenicke

Judge, 8th District Court

11

Years Served

2015

Since

6yr

Term Length

2030

Next Election

Public Opinion Poll

0 total votes
50% Approve50% Disapprove
50%
50%
0 votes0 votes

Biography

Judge Christopher T. Haenicke has served on the 8th District Court since 2015. He ran unopposed in the 2024 election, securing his seat through 2030. Before joining the bench, he spent 13 years as vice president at Greenleaf Trust and 9 years in private law practice.

Career Timeline

8th District Court Judge (2015-present)

Ran unopposed 2024, term through 2030

Vice President, Greenleaf Trust (13 years)

Private law practice (9 years)

Campaign Finance & Funding

No detailed contribution data found. Filed reporting waiver after unopposed race.

Reporting Waiver Filed - This official filed a waiver with the Michigan Secretary of State, indicating they did not expect to raise or spend $1,000+. No detailed financial reports are required.

Appointed by Gov. Snyder (R) on Jan. 15, 2015

Campaign committee: 'Committee to Elect Chris Haenicke Judge' (ID #517388)

Ran unopposed in 2016 - reporting waiver likely

No PAC, AIPAC, or foreign lobby contributions found

Foreign Lobby / AIPAC Check: No evidence of AIPAC contributions, foreign lobby money, or foreign-connected PAC donations found for this official.

Details

Court
8th District Court
Division
General
Jurisdiction
Misdemeanors, civil cases under $25,000, small claims, landlord-tenant, traffic
Court Address
8th District Court, 227 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

How They Got the Seat

Method
APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR
Appointed By
Gov. Rick Snyder (R)
Appointment Year
2015
Later Elected
2016 (ran unopposed - no alternative)
Election Type
Nonpartisan
Term Length
6 years
Next Election
November 2030
All Officials