Daniel Korobkin, a Michigan Court of Appeals judge who grew up in Ann Arbor, is running for a full six-year term representing District 3 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Korobkin and fellow incumbent Mark T. Boonstra are the only candidates for two seats in the nonpartisan contest, according to the Michigan Department of State’s official candidate list. Voters may choose up to two candidates.

Korobkin responded to the Ann Arbor Record candidate questionnaire on Oct. 4. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.

Asked why he is seeking the position, Korobkin pointed to his judicial service and previous work as a civil rights attorney.

“Prior to joining the Court, I was an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan for over 16 years,” he said.

His work involved voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, race discrimination, freedom of speech, public education, police accountability and government transparency, among other issues.

“I believe in justice, fairness, and equality under the law, and it is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Michigan on the Court of Appeals,” he said.

Candidate information

Party affiliation: The judicial election is nonpartisan. Asked about his affiliation, Korobkin said: “As a current judge, I must remain nonpartisan with regard to political parties.”

Education: Korobkin reported earning a law degree from Yale Law School in 2006 and a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College in 2002.

Family: “I grew up in Ann Arbor and have family throughout Southeast Michigan,” Korobkin said.

Family in politics or government: Korobkin said no family member works in politics or government.

Experience and public service

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Korobkin’s appointment to the Court of Appeals on April 23, 2025, to fill a partial term following Judge Jane Markey’s resignation, according to the governor’s office.

Before joining the court, Korobkin served as the ACLU of Michigan’s legal director from 2019 to 2025, deputy legal director from 2014 to 2019 and staff attorney from 2008 to 2014.

He also reported teaching part time at the University of Michigan Law School from 2016 to 2024 and Wayne State University Law School from 2014 to 2015.

Earlier in his career, Korobkin clerked for Judge Robert D. Sack of the U.S. Court of Appeals from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Myron H. Thompson of the U.S. District Court from 2006 to 2007.

He also served as co-chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Access to Justice Policy Committee. Michigan Lawyers Weekly named him its 2021 Lawyer of the Year, according to the ACLU of Michigan.

Asked what accomplishments prepare him for the position, Korobkin said he had written more than 100 opinions since joining the court in 2025.

“I consider it a priority to ensure that all participants in our legal system have an opportunity to be heard and are treated impartially and with courtesy, dignity and respect,” he said.

On the issues

Court workload and timely decisions: Korobkin described the Court of Appeals as Michigan’s statewide intermediate appellate court, reviewing decisions from trial courts and administrative agencies across all areas of law.

“One challenge we face is that we must handle a very high volume of cases, and our duty is to address the issues fairly, transparently, and without undue delay,” he said.

Access to legal representation: Korobkin identified legal assistance for people with limited incomes as a significant need.

“Access to counsel for low-income Michiganders is an area of great need,” he said. “Our courts can address this issue by appointing counsel when possible and encouraging the Legislature and private bar to increase funding and support for legal services programs.”

Helping people navigate the courts: Korobkin said the legal system should be easier to use for people representing themselves.

Courts can help, he said, “by making forms, rules, procedures, and orders easier to understand and supporting the development of services, trainings, and online tools to provide guidance and expand access for people who are using the legal system on their own.”

Endorsements

Korobkin is endorsed by AFT Michigan and the Michigan AFL-CIO, according to the organizations’ published endorsement lists.

Advice that guides him

“Stay true to your own values, but always keep an open mind and never stop learning from others,” Korobkin wrote. “The rest will follow.”

This profile draws primarily on Daniel Korobkin’s responses to the Ann Arbor Record candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official election records, the governor’s office and the organizations linked above. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain his wording.