Michael D. Warren Jr.
Candidate, Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan 6th Circuit Court
Tenure
Present officeholder
Elections and appointments
Education
Personal
Contact
Michael D. Warren Jr. is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court.
Warren (Nonpartisan, Republican Party) is running for election for judge of the Michigan Supreme Court. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026.[source] He advanced from the Republican convention on August 22, 2026.
Warren completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.
Early life and education
Michael D. Warren Jr. was born in Detroit, Michigan. He earned a high school diploma from Lakeview High School, a B.A. degree in history from Wayne State University in 1989, and a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1992.[1][2]
Career
Warren began his career in 1992 as a law clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Dorothy Comstock Riley. He then became an attorney for the law firm of Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn LLP. He left that position the following year, to become a legal and policy advisor for the State Board of Education. In 1997, he returned to Honigman Miller et. al, specializing in appellate work and litigation; corporations, securities and mergers; and education law until 2001. He then served as the Executive Director and counsel for the New Common School Foundation prior to his appointment to the circuit court in 2002. He served as the sponsor and initial pilot judge of the Oakland Circuit Court's Data Management System beginning in 2004.[3] [1]
Publications
- Judge Warren published The Revolutionary Words that Forged America: The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence in 2026.[4] He also published America’s Survival Guide: How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History in 2007.[5]
- Warren has written Michigan Constitutional Law Surveys for the Wayne Law Review.[6]
- On March 4, 2006, Judge Warren wrote an article published by the Federalist Society entitled Contempt of Court & Broken Windows: Why Ignoring Contempt of Court Severely Undermines Justice, the Rule of Law, and Republican Self-Government.[7]
Awards and associations
Judge Warren is a former member of the Michigan State Board of Education. He served as Secretary of the Board as well as Chair of the State Board’s Task Force on Embracing the Information Age, and he previously served as the State Board’s legal and policy adviser. His efforts helped lead to fundamental revisions of the Revised School Code and adoption of significant education policies, including Learning Expectations for Michigan’s Students and the incorporation of civics and social studies in the state accreditation system.
He has served on several nonprofit boards, including the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Michigan Council for Economics Education, and The New Common School Foundation. He received The Great Influence Award from the Michigan Council for the Social Studies, and a Special Tribute from the Michigan Legislature. Judge Warren has published many articles, commentaries, and editorials regarding education and legal reform. He served on the administration commission at St. Ives Parish, and was the President of the Parish Council. He was also a partner at Cornerstone Schools.[3][1]
Elections
2026
Campaign finance
Endorsements
2022
See also: Michigan intermediate appellate court elections, 2022
General election
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view Warren Jr.'s endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.
2012
Warren was one of seven candidates competing for five seats in the general election on November 6, 2012. He was re-elected with 16.38% of the vote.[8]
[9]
- See also: Michigan judicial elections, 2012
Endorsements
Bar association ratings
Wolverine Bar Association
Warren received a rating of Extremely Well Qualified from the Wolverine Bar Association.[10]
Incumbents decry interest group advertisement
In October, the five incumbents running for re-election to the 6th Circuit Court united to condemn an ad opposing Judge McMillen, which was run by the Virginia-based group Americans for Job Security. In a meeting, Judge Warren said,
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We felt that it was very important that to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary that we unite together and stand against attempts to subvert our independence and integrity of the court, and try to politicize what should be a nonpartisan, non-political position.[11][12]
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In a statement on his website, challenger William Rollstin says,
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Just as challengers to incumbents express their displeasure with the status quo, so too can citizens affect the process...It’s ironic that a slate of candidates, unified by incumbency and not by ideological or philosophical bonds, would whine about following the law as determined by judicial precedent passed by the highest court in the land [Citizen's United v. Federal Election Commission].[13][12]
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2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael D. Warren Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Warren's responses.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I have served on the Oakland County Circuit Court since 2002, establishing myself as one of Michigan's most accomplished and respected jurists. Over my tenure, I have presided over more than 400 jury trials and over 1,000 days of trial proceedings — more trial experience than the entire current Michigan Supreme Court combined (x3). I interpret the law as written and do not legislate from the bench.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (cum laude) and Wayne State University (Honors History), I bring a rare combination of legal rigor and historical depth to the bench. My academic excellence laid the foundation for a career defined by constitutional fidelity and judicial integrity.
Beyond the courtroom, I have written The Revolutionary Words that Forged America - The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence (Republic Books 2026), serve as a Business Law Professor at Wayne State University, and have taught Constitutional Law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.
My contributions to civic life have been recognized at the highest levels: Judge of the Decade by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), Distinguished Public Servant Award from the Oakland County Bar Association, and induction into the IAOTP Hall of Fame.
As a former member of the Michigan State Board of Education, I have championed civic literacy and the teaching of American history and constitutional principles through Patriot Week (PatriotWeek.org). Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
- Experienced & Accomplished
Over two decades of distinguished service on the Oakland County Circuit Court, earning the highest honors in the legal profession.
I have tried over 400 jury trials and have more trial experience than the entire Supreme Court x 3.
5 of the 7 members of the Supreme Court were not judges until they joined the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court needs an experienced trial judge.
- Judge of the Decade (IAOTP)
- Distinguished Public Servant Award (Oakland County Bar Association)
- Constitutional Law Professor, Western Michigan Cooley Law School
- Business Law Professor, Wayne State University
- Former Member, State Board of Education
- U of M Law School, cum laude
- Wayne State University, Honors History - Defender of the Constitution
A steadfast originalist who interprets the law as written, championing American First Principles both on and off the bench.
- Interprets law as written by the founders
- Co-Founder of Patriot Week with daughter Leah
- Author, The Revolutionary Words that Forged America - The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence (Republic Books 2026)
- Author: America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History
- Host: Patriot Lessons Podcast & TV Show
- Constitutional Law Professor
- Fair & Just
Every decision rooted in a fair reading of the law — equal justice regardless of status, race, gender, or wealth.
- Decisions based on fair reading of law
- Equal justice regardless of status or background
- Creator of the Reset Program for probationers
- Committed to rehabilitation and redemption
- 400+ jury trials presided with integrity
- Interprets the law as written
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Educating America on Its Founding Principles
Judge Warren is not only a jurist — he is an educator, author, and media personality dedicated to preserving and promoting the First Principles of American liberty.
Through his books, podcast, television appearances, and Patriot Week, he reaches thousands of Americans each year with a message of constitutional literacy and civic renewal. (PatriotWeek.org)
Author of The Revolutionary Words that Forged America - The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence (Republic Books, 2026)
Author of America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History (Mill City Press, 2007)What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?
Republican Party of Michigan
Libertarian Party of Michigan
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Southeastern Michigan Chamber of CommerceNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael D. Warren Jr. completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Warren's responses.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
For decades I have been tenaciously fighting for justice, the rule of law, fairness, and the Constitution. It is time for his leadership and experience to strengthen Michigan’s Court of Appeals.
My experience and accomplishments include:
- Oakland County Circuit Court Judge for over 19 years (presided over 360 Jury Trials, including those involving murder, robbery, family, and business disputes)
- 360+ Jury Trials (1000+ days of trial)
- Judge of the Decade and Hall of Fame Member (International Association of Top Professionals) and the Distinguished Public Servant Award (Oakland County Bar Association)
- Constitutional Law Professor
- Former member of the State Board of Education.
Co-Founder of Patriot Week with his then 10 year old daughter Leah to renew the spirit of America and help educate the public about the Constitution and American History (www.PatriotWeek.org)
Author of America’s Survival Guide, How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History (www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com)
Host & Author of Patriot Lessons: American History & Civics Podcast and Patriot Lessons TV Show (www.PatriotWeek.org)
University of Michigan Law School cum laude graduate & Honors History Degree from Wayne State University Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?
- Experienced & Accomplished - Judge Warren is an award winning Oakland County Circuit Court Judge of over 19 years
- Defender of the Constitution & the Rule of Law - Judge Warren protects our constitutional system and the integrity of our laws, he does not legislate from the bench
- Fair & Just - Judge Warren treats all before him fairly and impartially, rendering just results base don the law and facts before him
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
The public’s understanding of the Constitution, American History, and civics is sorely lacking and desperately needs to be addressed. As a free people, we must understand the foundations of our freedoms and liberty, or they will be lost. I have worked for three decades to better educate the people and renew the spirit of America through my service on the State Board of Education, co-founding Patriot Week (www.PatriotWeek.org), my book America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History (www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com), and writing and hosting the Patriot Lessons: American History & Civics Podcast and Patriot Lessons TV Show. I have helped develop the Social Studies Standards for Michigan, and produced many educational videos, lesson plans, and similar resources. During jury selection I explain the historical and current importance of jury duty. I have dedicated my life to preserving our republic.
In addition, the proper role of the judiciary is extraordinarily important and neglected by many. John Adams explained the Founders' sentiments when he wrote that good government and the very definition of a republic "is an empire of laws." The judiciary is the guardian of the rule law and we most avoid the temptation of legislating from the bench. The proper role the judiciary is to interpret the law as understood by the lawmaker - the People or the legislature. I have dedicated my career to protecting the rule of law.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I have authored America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History - www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.
You can also visit www.PatriotWeek.org, which I co-founded with my then 10 year old daughter Leah.
What legacy would you like to leave?
A loving husband, father, son; a wonderful family member and friend; a Patriot who helped renew the spirit of America; a scholar who contributed to American History and Civics, especially the Declaration of Independence; a superb educator; a fair and just rule of law judge.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first long-term job was as a busboy (quickly head busboy) at the Gourmet House in St. Clair Shores. I started the job at the end of high school and stopped working there just before I started law school.
I bussed tables, set up and worked parties, managed other busboys, loaded and unloaded trucks, tended bar, and countless other tasks.
I worked full time during the summers, and part-time during college at Wayne State University. I learned a great deal about discipline, dedication, commitment, hard work, cooperating with others, meeting deadlines, and managing others. We had the opportunity to make some of people's most important, memorable moments (like weddings, graduations, etc.) wondrous or terrible, and we took responsibility to make sure they were wonderful by doing whatever we had to!What is your favorite book? Why?
The Lord of the Rings. It is a riveting, creative, wondrous story of the struggle for good and freedom over evil and tyranny. It also reveals that even the smallest of us can change the course of world history.
Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?
Approximately 95% of appeals are resolved by the Court of Appeals. They make rulings over all aspects of our lives, including free speech, free press, due process, criminal justice, elections, separation of powers, no fault actions, property rights, medical malpractice, business disputes, contracts, consumer rights, civil rights, and COVID-19 orders. The Court can reach down and stop litigation, and can reverse criminal convictions, the termination of parental rights, and other enormously important decisions.
How would you describe your legal philosophy?
John Adams explained the Founders' sentiments when he wrote that good government and the very definition of a republic "is an empire of laws." The First Principle of the rule of law is indispensable to maintaining our unalienable rights, limited government, equality, and the Social Compact. The judiciary is the guardian of the rule law.
As Alexander Hamilton explained in Federalist No. 78, the constitutional and legal limitations of power on executive and legislative authorities "can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice . . . . Without this, all the reservations of particular rights or privilege would amount to nothing." On the other hand, courts must exercise self-restraint to avoid the temptation of revising, “correcting,” or implementing policies the people or legislature have not enacted. "The courts," Hamilton continued, "must declare the sense of the law, and if they should be disposed to exercise WILL instead of JUDGMENT, the consequence would equally be the substitution of their pleasure for that of the legislative body."
Thus, to properly fulfill their role, courts must interpret the law as originally understood by the people (in the case of the Constitution) or the legislature (in the case of statutory construction). Judges should not legislate from the bench, but apply a fair and faithful application of the law as made by the people or the legislature. I have been an outspoken and consistent advocate for rule of law for decades. As a proven rule of law judge, I will continue to protect the Constitution and the law.Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?
Justice Dorothy Comstock Riley
Chief Justice John Marshall
Justice Antonin Scalia
Justice Thomas M. Cooley
Justice John Marshall Harlan (dissenter in Plessy v Fergueson)Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?
To understand a criminal defendant's or victim's perspective is often important in connection with sentencing to rendering a fair and just sentence.
I believe that all litigants have a divine spark, that they should respect themselves and others, that they have the capacity for growth and redemption, that they can improve their lives by taking accountability for the actions and moving forward with truth and courage, that they can improve their lives by setting life goals and creating actionable steps to achieving them, and that they can best do that by trying to be a slightly better person than they were the day before (not comparing themselves to others) and that over time amazing changes can happen. I have developed a probation pilot program - Reset - based on these principles, and may defendants have found it useful.
Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?
Yes, the Straker Bar Association gave me their highest rating.
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Michigan needs experienced and accomplished rule of law judges on the Court of Appeals.
I have the experience to be a superb Court of Appeals judge. I have tried over 360 jury trials and have over 19 years of trial experience. I have rendered thousands of sentences and issued thousands of opinions and orders. I will be perhaps the most experienced trial judge on the Court of Appeals when I take office, I will defend the Constitution and the rule of law, and I will be fair and just.
We cannot afford to have inexperienced judges who are there to legislate their policy preferences as opposed to fairly applying the law. Activist judges should run for the legislature, not the judiciary.Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?
Yes. Especially with appellate judges. Michigan has too many appellate judges who have no prior judicial experience, and that disconnect between the courtroom is undermining the fair and efficient administration of justice. Too often opinions are rendered by activists based on emotion or (not so) hidden agendas, and not grounded, experienced judges.
What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?
The erosion of the rule of law. Lawlessness in the streets and in the courtroom.
What do you consider the greatest opportunity for the legal system in your state?
Grounding the system in a fundamental understanding of the separation of powers, the proper role of the judiciary, and providing hope and redemption for criminal defendants through programs like the pilot reset program I have developed.
Would you be interested in serving on a higher court in the future? If so, which court appeals to you?
Yes, the Michigan Supreme Court.
Do you believe that Bar Association ratings are an accurate reflection of a judge’s ability?
It depends on the criteria used and the fairness of the panel.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Judge Warren's Bio
- ↑ LinkedIn: Biography/resume of Michael Warren
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Oakland County, "Hon. Michael Warren"
- ↑ Amazon.com, "The Revolutionary Words that Forged America: The Definitive Guide to the Declaration of Independence," accessed July 28, 2026
- ↑ Amazon.com, "America's Survival Guide," accessed July 28, 2026
- ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email communication with Michael D. Warren, Jr," November 22, 2019
- ↑ The Federalist Society, "Contempt of Court & Broken Windows: Why Ignoring Contempt of Court Severely Undermines Justice, the Rule of Law, and Republican Self-Government,:" March 4, 2006
- ↑ Michigan Department of State, Unofficial 2012 General Election Results: 6th Circuit Court
- ↑ Michigan Department of State, 2012 Unofficial Michigan Primary Candidate Listing
- ↑ Wolverine Bar Association, 2012 WBA Judicial Qualifications Results
- ↑ The Oakland Press, "Oakland County judges object to outside money in their re-election campaign," October 7, 2012
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Rollstin for Judge, Statement on Outside Spending
(Nonpartisan) 
