Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement announced Wednesday that she will be stepping down from her position before the end of April, setting the stage for a potential significant shift in the court’s ideological balance, The Associated Press reports.
Clement’s departure opens the door for Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to appoint a replacement, potentially creating a 6-1 majority of justices backed by Democrats.
Clement, who was appointed to the court in 2017 by Republican Governor Rick Snyder and secured a full term in 2018, did not provide a specific reason for her resignation, which comes before her term was set to expire in 2026. She had been serving as Chief Justice since November 2022.
“Leading our state’s highest court has been an opportunity to continue a proud record of independence, fairness, and commitment to the rule of law,” Clement said in a statement. “I am thankful to my colleagues for their support and friendship, as well as for their willingness to seek common ground in serving the people of Michigan.”
While Michigan Supreme Court justices are officially nonpartisan, they are typically nominated by political parties or appointed by the Governor to fill vacancies. The court currently holds a 5-2 majority of justices backed by Democrats, a margin achieved after the November election.
Governor Whitmer’s upcoming appointment holds the potential to solidify that Democratic-leaning majority. The appointed justice will be required to run for retention in 2026 to secure a full eight-year term.
