Judges & courts

Judge of the 96th District Court

Non-incumbent position

Vote for: 1
Term: 6 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A district court judge hears misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil suits up to $25,000, small claims and landlord-tenant cases, and holds preliminary hearings in felony cases.

Candidates Compare by issue

Patrick J. Crowley

No party listed

Chief Public Defender, Marquette County

The gist

Supports electronic filing and Zoom court appearances
Proposes clearing decades-old warrants for unpaid fines faster
Supports directing resources toward rehabilitation over punishment

More about Patrick

View sources (1)

Supports electronic filing and Zoom court appearances
Priorities
Campaign website · Crowley for Judge · crowleyforjudge.com
“implementing and evolving best practices such as electronic filing and Zoom court appearances”
Proposes clearing decades-old warrants for unpaid fines faster
Priorities
Campaign website · Crowley for Judge · crowleyforjudge.com
“This list must be dealt with in a MUCH more expeditious manner”
Supports directing resources toward rehabilitation over punishment
Priorities
Campaign website · Crowley for Judge · crowleyforjudge.com
“directs resources towards rehabilitation, rather than automatically driving towards punishment”

Derek G. Swajanen

No party listed

Attorney

The gist

Supports alternatives to incarceration when appropriate
Supports establishing a Mental Health Court
Pledges to prioritize timely case management

More about Derek

View sources (1)

Supports alternatives to incarceration when appropriate
Priorities of Derek Swajanen
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Derek G. Swajanen · swajanenforjudge.com
“Derek supports responsible alternatives to incarceration when appropriate.”
Supports establishing a Mental Health Court
Priorities of Derek Swajanen
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Derek G. Swajanen · swajanenforjudge.com
“He also supports establishing a Mental Health Court”
Pledges to prioritize timely case management
Priorities of Derek Swajanen
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Derek G. Swajanen · swajanenforjudge.com
“Derek will prioritize timely case management and practical solutions to ensure that cases move efficiently”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 1 issue covered in this race.