Michigan Supreme Court Race Features Unconventional Candidate
In the upcoming November elections, two justices will be elected to the Michigan Supreme Court. One of the notable candidates in the race is Jody White, a Southeast Michigan real estate broker. Despite lacking a legal background, she is vying for a seat on the court, highlighting broader questions about qualification requirements and the judiciary’s accessibility.
White, previously a candidate for the Michigan state Senate in 2022 and the House of Representatives in 2018, is one of the nominees from the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan. In a recent conversation with Michigan Public’s Morning Edition host Doug Tribou, White discussed her candidacy and the legal prerequisites for serving as a Supreme Court justice.
Doug Tribou: Michigan law mandates that Supreme Court justices must be licensed to practice law and admitted for at least five years. You do not meet these criteria, so why pursue this position?
Jody White: My candidacy is an advocacy against the longstanding control by the legal community over the judiciary. As a real estate professional, my work revolves around property rights, and I believe in safeguarding individuals’ ownership rights. The judiciary should not be solely dominated by those within the legal profession.
The interview noted that while White is legally on the ballot, she cannot assume office unless she meets the legal practice requirements by the time of swearing-in. White argues, “We are all supposed to be lawful, legal, and compliant people,” pointing to systemic issues within the judiciary.
Despite the legal stipulations, White remains steadfast in her belief that the judiciary should be more accessible to laypeople. She emphasized, “Nobody is of nobility. There’s no king in America. We are all created equal,” referencing her admiration for Judge Michael Warren, a fellow candidate and current judge.
Tribou challenged White on the practicalities of her candidacy, pointing out that voters might be misled about her eligibility. White responded by urging voters to research and understand the broader implications of her campaign, which questions the exclusive professional control over judicial eligibility.
In a follow-up email, White acknowledged the constitutional requirements for Supreme Court justices but reiterated, “My candidacy asks voters to examine whether exclusive professional control over eligibility and judicial administration continues to serve the public interest.”
For further insights and to hear the complete audio of this interview, visit the Michigan Public website.
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