ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, May 8, 2025) – William Baillargeon came to the 57th District Court bench in “midstream,” so his pending departure during his current term on the bench shouldn’t be considered a surprise.
Last Thursday, he announced in his courtroom during a “Law Day” ceremony that he would step down on August 1st, ending nearly two decades wielding the gavel at the courthouse off of Chestnut Street in Allegan. He was initially appointed to the 48th Circuit Court bench in 2007 by Governor Grandholm to replace Harry Beach, but lost an election to a full term a year later.
In 2009, a vacancy on the District Court bench emerged when Stephen Sheridan stepped down, and Granholm again appointed Baillargeon to the seat. This time, he did secure full terms at the ballot box in 2012, 2018, and this past November 5th.
During his time on the bench, Baillargeon created an adult drug treatment court, a sobriety treatment court, and a regional veterans treatment court. He has conducted several Court-in-School programs at local high schools, and has chaired the Michigan Judicial Council’s procedural fairness committee.
Governor Whitmer will name a successor to replace Baillargeon until the next state-wide election in November, 2026.
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