(COLDWATER) - Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien has received a high-profile endorsement as he seeks the office of Circuit Court judge.
Former Judge William O'Grady, who resigned from the bench effective Jan. 1, issued a statement endorsing Stempien, who would first need to be appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to temporarily fill the vacancy before formally entering the 2026 election process.
In his statement, O'Grady cited Stempien's character and legal experience, saying, "I am pleased to provide my full endorsement of Zachary W. Stempien as our next Circuit Court Judge. I have observed Zack consistently demonstrate the highest moral character, strong legal ability, and sound judgment in his work serving our community." O'Grady also noted that Stempien has represented Branch County before both the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals.
As of Thursday, Stempien is the only candidate to publicly announce his intention to seek the Circuit Court judgeship. A temporary appointment by the governor is anticipated later this month or in early February.