Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2026 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Bench

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Dan Osher to the Third District of the Court of Appeals and Adam Strong to the 10th District Court in Calhoun County.  

Court of Appeals – Third District 

“For the last three years, Dan has been an essential part of our team,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud to appoint him to the Third District of the Court of Appeals, where he will continue serving the people of Michigan with strength, professionalism, and a commitment to getting stuff done. Dan is a quick thinker and strong leader, and I am grateful for his continued service to our state.” 

Dan Osher has served as Deputy Legal Counsel in the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer since 2023. Osher is also a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, where he teaches voting rights and election law. Before joining Governor Whitmer’s administration, Osher was a voting rights litigator with Elias Law Group LLP. Osher also previously served as a law clerk to Hon. Gonzalo P. Curiel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Hon. Ronald M. Gould of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Hon. Michael P. Shea of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Osher holds a Bachelor of Arts in legal studies and sociology from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. 

“I am deeply grateful to Governor Whitmer for placing her trust in me and providing this tremendous opportunity to serve the people of Michigan,” said Osher. “And I am humbled by the task of following the steps of Judge Yates, a model public servant whose positive impact on the court will be felt for a long time.” 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term expiring January 1, 2029, following the resignation of Judge Christopher Yates.  

10th District Court – Calhoun County

“I am proud to appoint Adam Strong to the 10th District Court in Calhoun County,” said Governor Whitmer. “Adam is a skilled legal professional and a dedicated member of his community. I am confident that he will use his years of experience to serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law.” 

Adam Strong, of Marshall, is the deputy chief assistant prosecuting attorney at the Eaton County Prosecutor’s Office, where he has served since 2012. Strong previously worked as an adjunct professor of criminal law and criminal procedure at Ferris State University. Strong has been involved with the 56th Circuit Court veteran’s treatment court, felony sobriety court, and adult circuit drug court. Strong is also  a past president of the Eaton County Bar Association and previously worked with the Michigan State Police Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team. 

Strong holds Bachelor of Arts in political science and criminal justice from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. 

“I am honored to receive Governor Whitmer's appointment to the 10th District Court for Calhoun County,” said Strong. “I am incredibly grateful and looking forward to the opportunity to serve my community.” 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term expiring January 1, 2029, following the recent appointment of Judge Jason Bomia to the 37th Circuit Court.  

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