Detroit residents went to the polls in the 2026 midterm election and selected three judges for the city’s 36th District Court. One of those judges, Kahlilia Davis, is currently under a six‑year suspension imposed by the Michigan Supreme Court, meaning she will not be able to serve on the bench until 2029.

Background of the suspension

The Michigan Supreme Court suspended Judge Davis in 2023 after finding that she had abused court powers and interfered with a process server’s work. The court also noted that she lied under oath and failed to keep a required video record of court proceedings, a violation of state court rules. The suspension is set to remain in effect for six years, ending in 2029.

Election outcome

Despite the ongoing suspension, voters in Detroit still elected Davis to the 36th District Court. The election results reflect the choices of the electorate, even though the judge will be unable to assume her duties for several more years.

Opposition’s perspective

Jo Irby, one of the four candidates who ran against Davis, expressed frustration with the situation. Irby said, “I think that the Supreme Court did not clarify what they meant. Why would you say that if you were to run and win, you can’t sit? That’s almost equivalent to saying you’re not a doctor yet until 2029, but you can apply for a job as a doctor right now.” She added that she did not run negative ads against Davis and emphasized the importance of voters conducting background checks on candidates.

Implications for the court

The suspension means the 36th District Court will continue to operate without Judge Davis for the remainder of the term. The court will need to rely on other judges or temporary appointments to handle the caseload that would have been assigned to her.

Community response

Local observers noted that the election highlights a gap between voter awareness and the procedural realities of judicial discipline. While some residents questioned the lack of background information available at the time of voting, others pointed to the importance of respecting the electorate’s choice.

What comes next

The Michigan Supreme Court’s suspension remains in effect, and Judge Davis will not be eligible to sit on the bench until the suspension expires in 2029. In the meantime, the 36th District Court will continue its work under the remaining judges, ensuring that Detroit’s legal system remains functional for its citizens.

Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.