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.
Hon. Paul J. Bridenstine
Judge, Criminal Division
11
Years Served
2015
Since
6yr
Term Length
2026
Next Election
Public Opinion Poll
0 total votesBiography
Judge Paul J. Bridenstine brings extensive judicial experience to the 9th Circuit Court Criminal Division. He first joined the bench in 2000 as an 8th District Court judge, where he served for 15 years before being elected to the Circuit Court in 2014. His transition from district to circuit court gives him a broad perspective on criminal justice in Kalamazoo County.
Career Timeline
Circuit Court Judge, Criminal Division (2015-present)
8th District Court Judge (2000-2015)
Private law practice
Campaign Finance & Funding
Filed a reporting waiver - did not expect to raise or spend $1,000+. Ran unopposed in 2016.
Appointed by Gov. Snyder (R) on Jan. 15, 2015
Campaign committee: 'Committee to Elect Paul Bridenstine Circuit Court Judge' (ID #517404)
Reporting waiver granted Dec. 18, 2015 - no financial reports filed
Ran unopposed in 2016
No PAC, AIPAC, or foreign lobby contributions found
Details
- Court
- 9th Circuit Court
- Division
- Criminal
- Jurisdiction
- Felony criminal cases, including trials, sentencing, and post-conviction proceedings
- Court Address
- Kalamazoo County Courthouse, 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 2026 (UPCOMING)