Macomb County Judge of Probate Court - Incumbent Position
November 3, 2026 · Macomb County, Michigan · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 10 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 879,853 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,772,259 ÷ 879,853) ÷ ln(1,772,259 ÷ 2,133) = 10.42, comparing counties in MI (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
This office is responsible for:
- Hearing trials — criminal cases, lawsuits, family, or probate matters, depending on the court
- Ruling on evidence, motions, and sentences
- Applying state law and court procedure fairly in every case
Affected Areas: Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Civil Rights, Impartiality, Legal Competence
Candidates
Sara A. Schimke
Nonpartisan · Incumbent · declared
Sara A. Schimke is a Macomb County Probate Court judge and 2026 incumbent-position candidate. Appointed in April 2022, she previously practiced probate law, estate planning, and advocacy and taught as an adjunct professor. Her public and professional service includes the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation, an elder-law continuing-education committee, and past leadership of the State Bar's Elder Law and Disability Rights Section.
Records: Civil Rights 2 for, Legal Competence 6 for
Election sources
Source: macombgovdocs.org
Source: macombgov.org