Governor Appointed - Not Elected by the People
This official was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) in 2021 - not chosen through a public vote. They later won election in 2022 to retain the seat.
Hon. Namita Sharma
Presiding Judge, Family Division
5
Years Served
2021
Since
6yr
Term Length
2028
Next Election
Public Opinion Poll
0 total votesBiography
Judge Namita Sharma was appointed to the bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 and subsequently won election to retain her seat. She serves as Presiding Judge of the Family Division since 2023, overseeing all family law and juvenile matters in Kalamazoo County. Previously she was an attorney and partner at Brueggemann & Sharma, P.C., focusing on civil, family, and probate law. She previously lost to Tiffany Ankley in the 2014 8th District Court race (44.1% to 55.9%).
Career Timeline
Presiding Judge, Family Division (2023-present)
Appointed by Governor Whitmer (Oct. 7, 2021)
Won election to retain seat
Partner, Brueggemann & Sharma, P.C.
Lost 2014 8th District Court race to Ankley (44.1%-55.9%)
Treasurer, Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar Association
Campaign Finance & Funding
No campaign finance data found. Modest campaign expected as an appointee running to retain seat.
Appointed by Gov. Whitmer (D) on Oct. 7, 2021
Originally appointed to 8th District Court, later assigned to Circuit Court Family Division
No PAC, AIPAC, or foreign lobby contributions found
Details
- Court
- 9th Circuit Court
- Division
- Family
- Jurisdiction
- Oversees Family Division operations, divorce, custody, juvenile cases, child protective proceedings
- Education
- Detroit College of Law, J.D.; University of Michigan, B.S.
- Court Address
- Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
How They Got the Seat
- Method
- APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR
- Appointed By
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D)
- Appointment Year
- 2021
- Later Elected
- 2022
- Election Type
- Nonpartisan
- Term Length
- 6 years
- Next Election
- November 2028