Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

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Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

LANSING, Mich. -Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Nicole Huddleston to the Oakland County Probate Court, Judge Allison Bates to the 4th Circuit Court in Jackson County, Nicole Hughes to the 12th District Court in Jackson County, and Zachary Stempien to the 15th Circuit Court in Branch County.

"I am proud to appoint these great Michiganders to the bench," said Governor Whitmer. "These skilled legal professionals bring years of experience and dedication to their communities to their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law."

Oakland County Probate Court

Nicole Huddleston, of West Bloomfield, is the owner of Huddleston Law, PLLC, a firm specializing in probate, family, and civil law. Huddleston previously served as managing director at the Detroit Justice Center and as a staff attorney at Detroit Justice Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and Legal Aid and Defender. Huddleston is a member of the Tri-Community Coalition, Youth Connections, and the Straker Bar Association. Huddleston is also a member of the Executive Board of Matrix Theater and often serves as a volunteer attorney at expungement fairs.

Huddleston holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Oakland University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

"I am sincerely honored and humbled by this appointment from Governor Whitmer, and I am grateful to her and her team for their thoughtful consideration throughout this process," said Huddleston. "It is a privilege to serve the people of Oakland County and this great state. I remain committed to advancing a justice system grounded in fairness, integrity, and efficiency, and I will work hard every day to uphold the trust that has been placed in me. Thank you again, Governor Whitmer, for this tremendous honor."

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kathleen Ryan. Judge Huddleston's term will commence on April 17, 2026,and expire at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2027.

4th Circuit Court - Jackson County

The Honorable Allison Bates, of Grass Lake, currently serves as district court judge at the 12th District Court in Jackson County, where she has served since 2021, presiding over the domestic violence docket. Previously, Judge Bates worked as a judicial juvenile referee at the 4th Circuit Court. Judge Bates is also the president of the Mid-Michigan Labrador Retriever Club and is a licensed judge at the American Kennel Club.

Judge Allison Bates holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific.

"I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for appointing me to the Circuit Court," said Judge Bates. "I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Jackson County in my new role."

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Thomas D. Wilson. Judge Bates' term will commence on April 13, 2026, and expire at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2027.

12th District Court - Jackson County

Nicole Hughes, of Pleasant Lake, is an assistant attorney general at the Michigan Department of Attorney General, where she represents the Michigan Department of Corrections. Previously, Hughes worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office. Hughes is also a member of the Jackson Young Professionals and contributes to the Jackson County Salvation Army.

Nicole Hughes holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from Western University in Ontario and a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

"I am truly honored by this appointment, and I look forward to serving our community," said Hughes. "I will carry the responsibility forward by ensuring people are heard, respected, and treated fairly under the law."

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the appointment of Judge Allison Bates to the 4th Circuit Court. Judge Hughes' term will commence on April 13, 2026, and expire at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2027.

15th Circuit Court - Branch County

Zachary Stempien, of Coldwater, currently serves as the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney, a position he has held since his election in 2020. Prior to his election, he served as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Branch County Prosecutor's Office and practiced as an associate attorney with Haas Caywood, P.C.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Stempien serves as a junior varsity baseball coach at Coldwater High School and has coached youth football, baseball, and basketball for programs in Coldwater and Tekonsha.

Stempien earned his Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Administration from Central Michigan University and his Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

"I am honored to be appointed to the 15th Circuit Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and grateful for her trust and confidence in me," said Stempien. "I look forward to serving the people of Branch County and am committed to ensuring that every case is handled with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law."

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge William O'Grady. Judge Stempien's term will commence on April 13, 2026, and expire at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2027.

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