Exciting Judicial Race in Oakland County: Candidates Bring Unique Perspectives to the Family Division Court

Exciting Judicial Race in Oakland County: Candidates Bring Unique Perspectives

In the vibrant city of Oakland County, two accomplished attorneys are gearing up for a competitive race for an open judge’s seat in the family division of the Circuit Court. Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston, a dedicated family law attorney from West Bloomfield, and Tricia Dare, a seasoned assistant prosecutor from Oxford, are both eager to bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the bench. This non-partisan position would oversee crucial matters such as adoption cases, personal protection orders, and divorces, underlining the importance of the role in the lives of many families.

Candidate Backgrounds

At 42 years old, Huddleston believes her extensive experience in family law equips her well for the position. As a practicing lawyer since 2015, she has devoted her career to fighting for the rights of families and individuals facing difficult situations. Before starting her own practice, she worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Domestic Violence Division and served as a staff attorney at notable legal aid organizations. Her current role as managing director for the Detroit Justice Center adds to her wealth of experience in representing those in need.

Dare, 53, has an impressive background that spans an impressive 27 years in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. Currently leading the Special Victims Unit, she has dedicated much of her career to advocating for vulnerable individuals and family members who have faced severe injustices. Her deep-rooted experience in the courtroom offers her insight into the nuances of judicial proceedings, which she believes will play an essential role if she is elected as a judge.

Facing Challenges

Despite their qualifications, both candidates have faced challenges that they now openly address. Huddleston’s late tax payments are well-documented; over the past two decades, she has missed the payment deadline for property taxes on two homes in Detroit. She acknowledges these bumps in her financial journey but insists she understands the struggles everyday people face. “I’ll be a judge who understands the challenges of everyday people,” she asserts, emphasizing her commitment to family law and accountability.

On the other hand, Dare encountered a hurdle when she attempted to run for the Oakland County Circuit Court in 2022 but was disqualified due to fraudulent signatures on her petition. Learning from this experience, she has taken great care to ensure her current petition features only valid volunteer-gathered signatures, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to the judicial process.

Vision for the Future

Huddleston and Dare both express a strong desire to create a courtroom atmosphere where everyone feels heard and understood, especially in challenging family cases. “In family court, we deal with the best interest of children,” explains Huddleston. “Having a judge who’s compassionate is crucial as individuals often approach their cases with deep emotional ties.” She emphasizes the importance of connecting individuals to resources, particularly those who may be navigating the system without legal representation.

Dare echoes this sentiment, asserting the necessity of an open dialogue within the courtroom. “It’s important that people feel they can speak freely and express their feelings,” she shares. “Creating a welcoming environment can make a significant difference in the family court setting.” Her perspective as a prosecutor uniquely positions her to understand both the needs of victims and the complexities faced by individuals accused of crimes.

The Role of Judicial Candidates

As the race heats up, political strategists note that such challenges could be viewed in various lights, ultimately affecting perceptions of both candidates. John Sellek, a Lansing political consultant, points out that while both candidates boast substantial legal experience, past issues may hinder their campaigns. “Their resumes are strong, but the experiences they’ve had in the past might raise questions among voters,” he said.

Ultimately, Huddleston and Dare are focused on addressing community needs through a compassionate judicial lens. They’re committed to ensuring that the family court serves as a supportive environment. As the campaign progresses, both candidates are eager to showcase their qualifications and unique visions for a fair and just legal process.

The citizens of Oakland County are encouraged to consider the qualities and experiences of both candidates before casting their votes, as this position could impact the lives of families for years to come.