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Marquette Attorney David McCaffrey Launches Campaign for 96th District Court Judge

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 18:31 GMT by Upper

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Marquette Lawyer Announces Candidacy for 96th District Court Judge

On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Upper Michigan Source reported that a seasoned Marquette attorney has formally entered the race for the 96th District Court judgeship. The filing marks the beginning of a campaign that could reshape the local judiciary as the incumbent judge is set to retire after a decade on the bench.

Who is the Candidate?

The lawyer, David K. “Dave” McCaffrey, is a native of Marquette and a partner at the well‑known firm McCaffrey & Associates. With over 18 years of legal practice, McCaffrey has built a reputation as a seasoned criminal defense advocate and a former assistant district attorney for the Upper Peninsula. A 2007 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, he has served on the Marquette Bar Association’s Criminal Law Committee and has been a frequent speaker at the Northern Michigan Legal Conference.

In his launch statement, McCaffrey emphasized his long‑standing commitment to “fairness, transparency, and the public’s trust in the legal system.” He added, “The 96th District Court is the first line of justice for so many of our residents; it is essential that the judge who presides over these cases is approachable, informed, and accountable to the community.”

Why the 96th District Court?

The 96th District Court, headquartered in Marquette, covers a broad swath of the Upper Peninsula, including the counties of Marquette, Menominee, Dickinson, and Delta. It handles a variety of matters—from misdemeanors and traffic violations to civil disputes and preliminary felony hearings. With a caseload that swells during the tourist season, the court’s efficiency directly affects local businesses and residents alike.

Judge Linda A. Rojas, who has served the district since 2014, announced in September that she would step down at the end of her term in 2026. Rojas’s decision leaves the field open for fresh perspectives. The Upper Michigan Source article highlighted that her departure “offers an opportunity to revisit the court’s approach to technology, case management, and community outreach.”

Campaign Platform and Endorsements

McCaffrey’s campaign, which launched on his personal website www.DavidMcCaffreyJudge.com, centers on five key pillars:

1. Modernization of Court Technology – He proposes a statewide rollout of digital docketing and virtual hearing capabilities to reduce backlogs.
2. Community Engagement – The candidate plans regular town‑hall meetings and a “Ask the Judge” hotline to demystify court procedures.
3. Sentencing Reform – While upholding the law, McCaffrey pledges to advocate for evidence‑based sentencing guidelines, especially for non‑violent offenders.
4. Judicial Independence – He vows to maintain a clear separation between the judiciary and political pressures, citing the importance of impartiality.
5. Transparency in Operations – The campaign will release monthly reports on case metrics, budget usage, and court performance.

Early endorsements include the Upper Peninsula Women’s Bar Association, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marquette Times newspaper, which praised McCaffrey’s “deep understanding of local issues” and “dedication to public service.” Politically, he positions himself as an independent, though he has received support from the local chapter of the Michigan Democratic Party.

Potential Opponents and the Election Landscape

The article noted that former Menominee County prosecutor Sarah N. O’Donnell has expressed interest in the seat. O’Donnell, who served as an assistant prosecutor from 2011 to 2019, has a strong record in public safety and has been vocal about the need for stringent sentencing in violent crime cases. The competition could hinge on differing philosophies around criminal justice—McCaffrey’s focus on reform versus O’Donnell’s emphasis on enforcement.

In addition, a former Judge from the Houghton County Court, Robert “Bob” Jensen, has not ruled out a candidacy. Jensen, who retired in 2023, is known for his procedural strictness and has a reputation for upholding the rule of law in a no‑nonsense manner.

The Michigan Judicial Selection Commission’s guidelines, linked within the article, explain that candidates must file their petitions by the January 15 deadline for the 2026 election cycle. They also detail the financial disclosure requirements and the vetting process. The Upper Michigan Source cited the Commission’s insistence on “ethical standards and competence” as a critical filter for candidates.

Community Response and Volunteer Opportunities

Local residents have responded with both excitement and concern. A resident of Marquette, Thomas G. Rivera, wrote, “I want a judge who knows the community. McCaffrey’s background as a defense attorney means he’ll understand both sides.” Conversely, a business owner in Menominee, Elaine V. Harper, expressed worries that reforms might delay business litigation, saying, “We need a judge who can handle cases swiftly.”

The campaign’s volunteer page lists opportunities for legal interns, community organizers, and “judge’s office interns.” Donations are accepted through the website’s secure portal, with a suggested contribution range of $50 to $500. The campaign also plans a “Kick‑the‑Clock” fundraiser at the Marquette Courthouse on March 3, 2026.

The Road Ahead

The Upper Michigan Source highlighted that the 96th District Court will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of the Upper Peninsula. With a projected 2026 election, candidates like McCaffrey and O’Donnell face the challenge of balancing community expectations, legal integrity, and procedural efficiency.

For voters, the choice extends beyond a single name. It reflects how the court will handle modern challenges—digital case management, sentencing reform, and public trust. As the campaign season progresses, the local press will likely focus on debates, public forums, and how each candidate proposes to navigate the complexities of a jurisdiction that spans a vast geographic area with diverse needs.

In the coming months, the Upper Michigan Source will continue to track developments, offering in‑depth coverage of candidate interviews, endorsements, and policy proposals. As the election nears, residents of the 96th District will have the opportunity to weigh in on a critical aspect of their local government: the integrity and vision of the judicial system that keeps their communities safe and fair.