Michigan Supreme Court Appoints New Chief Justice Amid Upcoming Vacancy
In a pivotal move to ensure continuity, the Michigan Supreme Court has preemptively appointed Megan Cavanagh as the incoming chief justice. This decision comes as Elizabeth Clement, the current chief justice, announced her retirement plans effective by the end of April, prompting the court to take swift action.
The court’s justices unanimously voted for Cavanagh, who is set to take over following Clement’s departure. Cavanagh remarked, “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.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer stands poised to appoint a successor for Clement, potentially solidifying a 6-1 Democratic-backed majority on the bench. Any appointee will face an election in 2026 to secure an eight-year term.
Although Michigan’s justices are officially nonpartisan, party affiliations play a significant role in their selection. Currently, the court holds a 5-2 advantage for justices endorsed by Democrats, a margin that was extended in the last November election.
Megan Cavanagh, who has Democratic support, narrowly secured her seat in the 2018 election by defeating an incumbent justice. Her term is also up for renewal in 2026.
Elizabeth Clement was appointed by Republican Governor Rick Snyder in 2017 and will be transitioning to a new role as president of the National Center for State Courts. Cavanagh emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “I believe strongly that collaboration and cooperation are the keys to building public trust in our branch of government.”
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