Governor Appointed - Not Elected by the People

This official was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) in 2007 - not chosen through a public vote. They later ran unopposed in 2008 to retain the seat - voters had no alternative candidate to choose.

GG

Hon. Gary C. Giguere, Jr.

Chief Judge, Circuit & Probate Court

Election 2026

19

Years Served

2007

Since

6yr

Term Length

2026

Next Election

Public Opinion Poll

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Biography

Judge Gary C. Giguere, Jr. has served Kalamazoo County since 2007 and was designated Chief Judge of both the 9th Circuit Court and Probate Court in 2022 by the Michigan Supreme Court. He oversees the Civil/Probate Division and is responsible for the administrative operations of the court. Before taking the bench, Giguere practiced law in Kalamazoo County for several years.

Career Timeline

Chief Judge, 9th Circuit & Probate Court (2022-present)

Circuit Court Judge (2007-present)

Private law practice, Kalamazoo County

Campaign Finance & Funding

No campaign finance data on record. Ran unopposed in 2008 and 2014 after gubernatorial appointment.

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. Granholm (D) on Feb. 21, 2007

Ran unopposed in 2008 and 2014 - minimal fundraising required

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
9th Circuit Court
Division
Civil/Probate
Jurisdiction
Civil cases over $25,000, probate matters, estates, guardianships, and court administration
Education
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, J.D.
Court Address
Kalamazoo County Courthouse, 227 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

How They Got the Seat

Method
APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR
Appointed By
Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D)
Appointment Year
2007
Later Elected
2008 (ran unopposed - no alternative)
Election Type
Nonpartisan
Term Length
6 years
Next Election
November 2026 (UPCOMING)
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