Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden secured a victory in the Nov. 5 election to retain her seat on the state’s highest court. Bolden, who was appointed to the court in 2023 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to fill the vacancy left by Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, defeated Branch County Circuit Judge Patrick William O’Grady with 61% of the vote.

The win enables Bolden to serve out the remaining four years of McCormack’s term. The 39-year-old is the first Black woman to serve on the state’s highest court and the youngest justice in its history. Throughout her campaign, Bolden focused on improving equity within Michigan’s justice system. Since assuming office on January 1, 2023, Bolden has been part of several key rulings, including landmark decisions on minimum wage laws and election candidate eligibility.  

Born and raised in Southfield, Bolden earned her high school diploma from Southfield High School, then went on to graduate from Grand Valley State University in 2010. She earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2013. Bolden’s professional journey includes serving as a civil litigation attorney, criminal defense attorney, and judge. She also represented her community as a member of the Michigan State House from 2019 to 2023.

Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Bolden about her historic election victory. Plus, Bolden talks about the goals she has set for herself, and the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that have made it difficult for African Americans and women to serve on the State Supreme Court.