Kyra Harris Bolden

Kyra Harris Bolden

Democratic Party

Michigan Supreme Court

Tenure

2023 - Present

Term ends

2033

Years in position

2

Predecessor

Bridget Mary McCormack

Prior offices

Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Successor: Andrew Fink

Predecessor: Jeremy Moss

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Compensation

Base salary

$181,483

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 5, 2024

Appointed

November 22, 2022

Education

High school

Southfield High School

Bachelor's

Grand Valley State University, 2010

Law

University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law, 2014

Personal

Birthplace

Southfield, Mich.

Religion

Christian

Profession

Judge

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Campaign TikTok

Personal Facebook

Kyra Harris Bolden (Democratic Party) is a judge of the Michigan Supreme Court. She assumed office on January 1, 2023. Her current term ends on January 1, 2033.

Bolden (Nonpartisan, Democratic Party) ran in a special election for judge of the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden won in the special general election on November 5, 2024. She advanced from the special Democratic convention on August 24, 2024.

Bolden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) appointed Harris Bolden to the state supreme court on November 22, 2022, to fill the vacancy left by Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. To learn more about this appointment, click here.

Biography

Kyra Harris Bolden was born in Southfield, Michigan. She earned a high school diploma from Southfield High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University in 2010 and a J.D. from the University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law in 2013. Her professional experience includes working as a civil litigation attorney and judge.

Bolden has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• State Bar of Michigan
• Wolverine Bar Association
• Straker Bar Association
• Women Lawyers Association
• City of Southfield Total Living Commission
• Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Pi Tau Omega Chapter
• National Congress of Black Women-Oakland County Chapter
• Southfield-Lathrup Village Democratic Club

Appointments

See also: Michigan Supreme Court justice vacancy (November 2022)

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) appointed Kyra Harris Bolden to the Michigan Supreme Court on January 1, 2023, to replace Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack retired on November 30, 2022. Bolden was Governor Gretchen Whitmer's (D) first nominee to the seven-member supreme court.

At the time of the vacancy under Michigan law, the governor appointed a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election.

Elections

2024

See also: Michigan Supreme Court elections, 2024

General election

Special general election for Michigan Supreme Court

Incumbent Kyra Harris Bolden defeated Patrick W. O'Grady in the special general election for Michigan Supreme Court on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden (Nonpartisan)	61.5	2,597,567
		Patrick W. O'Grady (Nonpartisan)	38.5	1,623,460

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,221,027
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic convention

Special Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court

Incumbent Kyra Harris Bolden advanced from the special Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 24, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden (D)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican convention

Special Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court

Patrick W. O'Grady advanced from the special Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 24, 2024.

		Candidate
✔		Patrick W. O'Grady (R)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Bolden received the following endorsements.

• Democratic Party of Michigan
• Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
• Michigan League of Conservation Voters

2022

Michigan Supreme Court

See also: Michigan Supreme Court elections, 2022

General election

General election for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Incumbent Richard Bernstein and incumbent Brian Zahra defeated Kyra Harris Bolden, Paul Hudson, and Kerry Lee Morgan in the general election for Michigan Supreme Court on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Richard Bernstein (Nonpartisan)	33.9	2,120,661
✔		Brian Zahra (Nonpartisan)	23.9	1,493,317
		Kyra Harris Bolden (Nonpartisan)	21.9	1,368,652
		Paul Hudson (Nonpartisan)	13.3	834,436
		Kerry Lee Morgan (Nonpartisan)	7.0	438,595

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,255,661
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Incumbent Richard Bernstein and Kyra Harris Bolden advanced from the Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 21, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Richard Bernstein (D)
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden (D)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican convention

Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Incumbent Brian Zahra and Paul Hudson advanced from the Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 27, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Brian Zahra (R)
✔		Paul Hudson (R)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Kerry Lee Morgan advanced from the Libertarian convention for Michigan Supreme Court on July 10, 2022.

		Candidate
✔		Kerry Lee Morgan (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Harris Bolden's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.

Michigan House of Representatives

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022

Kyra Harris Bolden did not file to run for re-election.

2020

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Incumbent Kyra Harris Bolden defeated Daniela Davis and Tim Yow in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden (D)	82.9	49,096
		Daniela Davis (R)	15.9	9,412
		Tim Yow (L)	1.2	693

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 59,201
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Incumbent Kyra Harris Bolden defeated Shadia Martini in the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden	90.2	23,737
		Shadia Martini	9.8	2,577

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 26,314
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Daniela Davis advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on August 4, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Daniela Davis	100.0	2,946

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,946
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Tim Yow advanced from the Libertarian convention for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on July 18, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Tim Yow (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

• LEAP Forward

2018

See also: Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Kyra Harris Bolden defeated Theodore Alfonsetti III in the general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden (D)	85.5	40,606
	Submit photo	Theodore Alfonsetti III (R)	14.5	6,912

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 47,518 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyra Harris Bolden	45.3	10,061
	Submit photo	Katie Reiter	23.5	5,203
		Vincent Gregory	22.4	4,980
	Submit photo	Michael Poole	3.7	819
		Alex Meyers	2.6	577
	Submit photo	Lisa Cece	2.5	547

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,187
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35

Theodore Alfonsetti III advanced from the Republican primary for Michigan House of Representatives District 35 on August 7, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Theodore Alfonsetti III	100.0	2,846

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,846
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released August 27, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Kyra Harris Bolden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bolden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Southfield, MI, with my parents and sister, and I'm proud to be a graduate of Southfield Public Schools. My father was a small business owner, and my mother was an educator, instilling in me the belief that I could achieve anything. With the support of mentors, I pursued law school to serve the public. Through hard work, I gained valuable experiences as a defense attorney for those in need at the 46th District Court, clerking for Judge John Murphy in Wayne County, and working as an associate at the Lewis & Munday firm. My desire to make a difference led me to run for State Representative, where I served on the Ways & Means and Judiciary Committees. I aimed to help others recognize their potential, driving my mission to create positive change. Now, the Michigan Supreme Court offers an opportunity to combine my legislative, legal, and public service experience. When I was first appointed to this seat, I made history and garnered national attention for being the first Black Woman to serve on Michigan’s Supreme Court. I am currently the only person of color who sits on the bench. As a lawyer, I learned the importance of diverse voices in promoting justice. Throughout my tenure on the court, I made tough decisions that upheld the law, protected marginalized communities, and reinforced democracy. My work continues, which is why I am running for retention.

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?

• Our campaign's message is Justice for Generations. As the youngest and first black woman in the court’s history, I'm committed to protecting equal justice, access to justice, and the rule of law on the highest court in Michigan.
• The most pressing issue facing the judiciary is access to justice and trust in our institutions. Justice should not be dependent upon who you are or how much money you have. As a Michigan Supreme Court Justice, I’ve worked on this issue through various task forces and court rule changes. I have also made myself available to the community by speaking to various faith based organizations, bar associations, and afterschool programs to promote accessibility and transparency in our judiciary.
• I believe in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all. My philosophy is based on the belief that all legal decisions should be guided by principles of thoughtfulness, fairness, impartiality, and adherence to legislative intent and the Michigan Constitution. Additionally, I believe in the importance of judicial independence and the separation of powers to safeguard the integrity of the legal system.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about transparency and accessibility in the judiciary. I am the Child Welfare liaison to the Michigan Supreme Court and we work on reforms to increase qualified representation for children. I am also the Treatment Court liaison where we work on and expand access to treatment courts throughout the state as an alternative to incarceration.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I owe special thanks and gratitude to former Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, a longtime mentor of mine who encouraged me to first run for Supreme Court two years ago. When I told her I was apprehensive about running for our highest court because I was pregnant, she said I would be taken care of. When I faltered or felt the weight of serving our state as a new mom, she supported me. When I doubted myself, her faith in me remained steadfast. The Congresswoman’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes while staying true to her values and principles sets a great example for aspiring leaders. She has shown resilience, integrity, and a strong work ethic throughout her career, making her a role model worth emulating.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that accessibility and empathy are most important for an elected official. An elected official must be available and visible to the public. Additionally, they must be aware and empathetic to the lived experiences of those they have sworn to represent.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Parks & Recreations Camp Counselor

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Despite what many may think, the Michigan Supreme Court takes up all kinds of cases, ranging from child custody to contract law cases. Thus, it is our job as justices of the Michigan Supreme Court to thoughtfully and equally interpret the law with the information we are given, in accordance with the Michigan Constitution. Due to the plethora of cases we take on, it can be difficult at times. However, I am committed to ensuring that I remain impartial and thoughtful in each and every decision I make.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

I have a deep commitment to service and ensuring that all children, from all walks of life, grow up with the justified belief that they can do anything they put their minds to. My hope is as the first African American woman on Michigan’s highest bench, I can instill that mindset in our children. I do not subscribe to a particular judicial philosophy, instead I use all the information available to me to make the best decisions possible.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

Yes

Women Lawyers Association of Michigan - Outstanding

Black Women Lawyers Association- Outstanding

How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?

The Court is an independent, nonpartisan, and important check and balance on our State Legislature and executive branch. As a Justice, it is my job to remain apprised of the laws that are passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor, and I have strong relationships with many of our elected officials across the state. I believe we all share a common public service mission and owe Michiganders the best we can provide in our respective positions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, LiUNA!, Michigan AFL-CIO, The Next 50, Michigan Education Association, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, Progressive Courts PAC, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, AFSCME, SEIU Michigan, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Pipefitters Local Union 636, UFCW, Reproductive Freedom for All, MI List, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, EMILY’s List, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Vote Mama, Daily Kos, Michigan Jewish Democrats, Fems for Democracy, Progressive Women’s Alliance, APWU, Detroit Local 98, Emgage, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Anishinaabek Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, Hispanic/Latino C

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.

2022

Kyra Harris Bolden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bolden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kyra Harris Bolden is an attorney and serves as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, representing District 35. She assumed office on January 1, 2019 and is currently serving her second term. Her current term ends on December 31, 2022. Rep. Bolden serves on the the Judiciary and Insurance Committees, and is Chair of the House Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Prior to serving as State Representative, Rep. Bolden served as a Criminal Defense Attorney; Judicial Law Clerk in Wayne County's 3rd Circuit Court; and Civil Litigation Attorney. Bolden is running for election for Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. She is the only woman on the ballot in the general election on November 8, 2022, and if elected she will be the first Black woman elected to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Harris Bolden advanced from the Democratic convention on August 21, 2022.

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?

• Kyra Harris Bolden is an attorney serving a second term in the Michigan State House and serves on the House Judiciary and Insurance Committee. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, and Chair of the House Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Bolden's professional experience includes working as a civil litigation attorney.
• Bolden has had five (5) bi-partisan bills passed and signed into law, primarily focused on criminal justice reform and protecting survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
• Bolden would bring a unique perspective to the Michigan Supreme Court having practiced law and participated in making and passing state law. She is the only woman on the ballot for Michigan Supreme Court, and if elected, would be the first Black woman elected to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Kyra Harris Bolden has a deep respect for the law and is passionate about the words equal access and justice for all having true meaning for every Michigander.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack; and Michigan Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. Justice Jackson has built a stellar career and broken through the barrier to be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg fought for justice for all every day until her passing. Chief Justice McCormack leads the Michigan Supreme Court in a thoughtful, reasoned manner and has continued to broaden access and inclusion to our justice system; and Congresswoman Lawrence is a dedicated public servant committed to positively impacting and improving the lives of others.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Important characteristics of an elected official include integrity; transparency; fairness and treating each individual with dignity and respect.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Bolden has a reputation of integrity, transparency and a belief in a system of justice for all. Bolden is confident, compassionate, thoughtful, and believes that each individual and all parties she interacts with are to be treated fairly and with respect.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Persons elected to serve as part of the judicial branch have a responsibility to review each case without fear or favor based upon the law and all of the evidence presented and be thoughtful and well-reasoned in their independent decision making.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Kyra Harris Bolden would like to leave a legacy of expanding fair and equal access to the justice system, and engaging and educating the public about the importance of the judicial branch and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Justice Jackson has built a stellar career and broken through the barrier to be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg fought for justice for all every day until her passing. Chief Justice McCormack leads the Michigan Supreme Court in a thoughtful, reasoned manner and has continued to broaden access and inclusion to our justice system.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

A judge must be able to put aside any personal bias and be able to look at each case in an impartial manner, on a case by case basis, based upon the law and all the evidence presented.To do so one must be conscious of anything that may impact how they hear and rule on a case. It is important for a judge to recognize that cases presented to the court are about people and impact people. Judges must be aware that empathy is part of our legal system. To be fair in the courtroom and have a more equal justice system, judges may need to broaden their level of empathy to be able to tune in to both sides in hearing a case and making decisions. Fairer and improved decisions may result in acknowledging and paying closer attention to empathy to ensure it does not align moreso toward one party but rather allows the judge to be a more neutral arbiter. Failing to be conscious of empathy and how it can impact decisions may result in more unfair decisions.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

Highly Recommended by the Women Lawyers Association - Michigan

If you are not a sitting judge, do you have any previous judicial experience? Do you believe it’s important to have that kind of experience for this judgeship?

I believe the Michigan Supreme Court should be reflective of the people of the state, not a monolith. It is important to have a variety of backgrounds, experiences, diversity of thought and perspectives on the court. A diverse court helps build trust in the judicial system. When our institutions serve the people fairly, trust builds in those institutions, and society benefits as a whole.

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.

2020

Kyra Harris Bolden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bolden's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

State Representative Kyra Harris Bolden serves as House Democratic Assistant Leader, Vice-Chair of the Progressive Women's Caucus and Co-Chair of the Attorneys Caucus. She also serves on the Ways and Means and Judiciary committees, and is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force. Rep. Bolden has had two bills passed and signed into law during her first term in office, and sponsored, co-sponsored and/or supported a variety of bills to address issues and make a positive difference for the people of her district and the state. Rep. Bolden is a life-long Southfield resident, graduate of Southfield Public Schools, Grand Valley State University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Prior to being elected to the State House, Rep. Bolden worked as a practicing civil litigation attorney. Rep. Bolden is married and resides in Southfield.

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?

• Rep. Bolden loves Michigan and cares about the people of this state. She is committed to the safe opening, healing and rebuilding of Michigan's economy, during an era of COVID-19, and will contiue fighting for good paying jobs so Michiganders are able to support their families, contribute to their local communities and help Michigan's overall economy thrive.
• Rep. Bolden will continue to fight for affordable health care; lower prescription drug costs; and quality, equitably funded schools to meet the needs of all students.
• Rep. Bolden will continue to fight for infrastructure repair, and clean air and water for all Michiganders.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Rep. Bolden is passionate about criminal justice reform; access to affordable health care and lowering the cost of prescription drugs; equitably funding Michigan's educational system and providing the support and resources to allow all students to thrive and become their best future selves; and criminal justice reform.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

What has made me a successful officeholder thus far is a willingness to listen, be thoughtful, and consider the longer-term impact of decisions. Building and having relationships in the State House as well as with local and county officials, community, union and business leaders is also important. And, genuinely caring about people and their concerns and issues; having a desire to truly be of service; being transparent, highly engaged, accessible and accountable to constituents are qualities I possess and that I believe make me a successful officeholder.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event was 9/11

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Rep. Bolden's first job was as a summer Camp Counselor for Southfield Parks and Recreation where she worked for two summers.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Good Job" by Alicia Keys

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature would be one of mutual respect, civility, and being able to disagree and express opposing viewpoints, and at the end of the day work together to find solutions to problems for the good of the people and for the state.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is essential to build relationships with other legislators, both those in your own Caucus, as well as others on the other side of the aisle. Building relationships allows people of very different views to come together in a respectful manner and have hard, challenging, passionate conversations, be able to listen and hear opposing view points, and work to develop a pathway forward. Building relationships allows people to have a greater understanding of each other, who they are, why they believe in a particular position, how issues affect people in their respective communities, and helps foster greater understanding to be able to get to a solution that benefits the people of Michigan. Legislators are not elected to go to Lansing to serve themselves; legislators are elected to serve the people.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

It is important that representatives from diverse communities with diverse backgrounds and experiences be represented at the decision-making table. Serving on the Judiciary committee appealed to my interest and background as an attorney. As a practicing attorney, the focus is on interpreting the law as it is written.Serving on the Judiciary Committee as well as the Ways and Means committee provides the opportunity to review the majority of bills, hear public testimony, discuss and debate the bills prior to bills coming to the floor for a vote. The majority party ultimately decides what bills actually get a hearing and/or come out of committee but it is critical to be able to offer input, thinking, and opinions in efforts to influence those decisions.

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

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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.

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Kyra Harris Bolden campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Michigan Supreme Court	Won general	$1,999,932	$0
2022	Michigan Supreme Court	Lost general	$1,115,299	$0
2020	Michigan House of Representatives District 35	Won general	$90,180	N/A**
2018	Michigan House of Representatives District 35	Won general	$88,383	N/A**
Grand total			$3,293,793	N/A**
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

State legislative tenure

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2021-2022

Bolden was assigned to the following committees:

• Insurance Committee
• Judiciary Committee
• Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (decommissioned)

2019-2020

Bolden was assigned to the following committees:

• Judiciary Committee
• Insurance Committee

Sponsored legislation

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Michigan

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Michigan scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2022

In 2022, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 12 to December 28.

• Clean Water Action & Sierra Club

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.

• Michigan AFL-CIO

Legislators are scored on labor issues.

• Michigan Chamber

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

• Michigan Farm Bureau

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture.

• Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.

• MIRS: Senate and House

Legislators are scored on a number of bills selected by the editor of MIRS, a state capitol newsletter.

• National Federation of Independent Business

Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.

2021

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show].

In 2021, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 13 to December 31. Clean Water Action & Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Michigan AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on labor issues. Michigan Farm Bureau Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture. Michigan League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. MIRS: Senate and House Legislators are scored on a number of bills selected by the editor of MIRS, a state capitol newsletter. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2020

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show].

In 2020, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 8 to December 31. Clean Water Action & Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Michigan AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on labor issues. Michigan Farm Bureau Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture. Michigan League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2019

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show].

In 2019, the Michigan State Legislature was in session from January 9 through December 31. Clean Water Action & Sierra Club Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. Michigan AFL-CIO Legislators are scored on labor issues. Michigan Farm Bureau Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to agriculture. Michigan League of Conservation Voters Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues. National Federation of Independent Business Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues. The American Conservative Union Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus on November 24, 2020

See also: Politicians, candidates, and government officials diagnosed with or quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit

On November 24, 2020, Bolden announced that she had tested positive for coronavirus.

State supreme court judicial selection in Michigan

See also: Judicial selection in Michigan

The seven justices of the Michigan Supreme Court are chosen by the Michigan method in which a partisan nomination is followed by nonpartisan elections. Incumbent judges seeking re-election may file an affidavit of candidacy requesting to be placed on the ballot, while non-incumbent candidates must either file a nominating petition or obtain a partisan nomination at a party convention. Incumbency is noted on the ballot, though party affiliation is not. Judges serve eight-year terms and must be re-elected if they wish to remain on the court.

Qualifications

To be elected to the supreme court, a judge must:

• be a qualified elector;
• be licensed to practice law in the state;
• have at least five years of law practice experience;
• be under the age of 70.

Chief justice

The chief justice of the court is elected by his or her fellow justices and serves a two-year term

Vacancies

See also: How vacancies are filled in state supreme courts

In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election. At the governor's request, the state bar's standing committee on judicial qualifications interviews, evaluates, and rates all candidates, submitting a confidential report to the governor. However, the governor is not required to request candidates from the committee, nor is the governor bound by the committee's evaluations.

The map below highlights how vacancies are filled in state supreme courts across the country.

See also

Michigan	Judicial Selection	More Courts
Courts in Michigan Michigan Court of Appeals Michigan Supreme Court	Elections: 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 Gubernatorial appointments Judicial selection in Michigan	Federal courts State courts Local courts

External links

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Bridget Mary McCormack (D)	Michigan Supreme Court 2023-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by Jeremy Moss (D)	Michigan House of Representatives District 35 2019-2023	Succeeded by Andrew Fink (R)

Michigan courts

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Federal courts:

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan

State courts:

Michigan Supreme Court • Michigan Court of Appeals • Michigan Circuit Court • Michigan Court of Claims • Michigan District Courts • Michigan Municipal Courts • Michigan Probate Courts

State resources:

Courts in Michigan • Michigan judicial elections • Judicial selection in Michigan

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