LANSING, Mich. — A significant shift is set to occur within the Michigan Supreme Court following the announcement of a leadership change. The court’s justices have unanimously selected Megan Cavanagh to become the new chief justice, succeeding Elizabeth Clement who will soon step down.
Elizabeth Clement had previously declared her intention to retire from her position by the end of April, prompting the justices to make the early decision to ensure a seamless transition. “The Court decided to make the choice now to ensure that the transition will be as smooth as possible and to confirm that our commitment to the path the Court is on will not waver,” stated Cavanagh.
As Clement prepares to depart, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has the opportunity to appoint a new justice to fill the vacancy. This appointment is significant as it has the potential to strengthen the court’s current Democratic-backed majority to a 6-1 balance. The appointed justice will have to seek retention in 2026 to serve a full eight-year term.
Though Michigan’s justices are considered nonpartisan, they are either nominated by state political parties or appointed by the governor when a vacancy arises. The current court composition favors the Democrats with a 5-2 majority, a result of a seat gained in the latest election.
Megan Cavanagh, whose campaign was supported by Democrats, narrowly won her seat in 2018 against an incumbent justice. Her next re-election will be in 2026. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Clement, brought into the Supreme Court in 2017 by former Republican Governor Rick Snyder, will be transitioning to a role as president of the National Center for State Courts.
In her statement, Cavanagh expressed her views on fostering trust within the judicial branch. “I believe strongly that collaboration and cooperation are the keys to building public trust in our branch of government,” she commented.
Please note that previous reports have been updated to correct the spelling of Cavanagh in certain paragraphs.
