On Monday, December 15, 2025, WTVB reported that Branch County Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady announced his resignation, effective January 1, 2026.
O’Grady, who has been the sole circuit judge for Branch County since his election in 2008, revealed his decision over the weekend. He is stepping down to accept a new government position in the Detroit suburbs, which will allow him to be closer to his family.
Judge O’Grady’s departure concludes nearly two decades on the trial court bench. During his tenure, he presided over thousands of cases, including criminal jury trials, civil law disputes, and family law matters.
Before his election to the bench, O’Grady served as a Michigan State Police trooper for six years. During this time, he was stationed in the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor areas while attending Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After completing law school, O’Grady worked as an assistant prosecutor in Branch County for eight years. He then successfully campaigned for the circuit court seat in 2008.
O’Grady’s resignation will create a vacancy that Governor Gretchen Whitmer will fill through an appointment. The appointee will serve on an interim basis until a November 2026 election determines who will permanently fill the position.
Source: WTVB
