Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement to Step Down by April

Grand Rapids, MI – Elizabeth Clement, the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, announced on Wednesday that she will be stepping down by the end of April, opening the door for a potential 6-1 majority of Democratic-backed justices on the state’s highest court.

Clement, who was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2017 by Republican Governor Rick Snyder, did not provide a reason for her resignation. In a statement, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the court, emphasizing her commitment to fairness, independence, and the rule of law during her tenure.

“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. “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’s justices are officially nonpartisan, they are nominated by political parties or appointed by the governor in cases of vacancy. Currently, the Michigan Supreme Court has a 5-2 majority of justices backed by Democrats, following a seat gained by Democrats in the November 2022 election.

Clement’s resignation provides an opportunity for Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to appoint a replacement, which would further cement the Democratic majority on the court. The new justice would be required to run for retention in 2026 for a full eight-year term.

Clement was originally appointed by Snyder in 2017, securing a full term in the 2018 general election. In November 2022, she was elected as Chief Justice of the court.

In her statement, Clement outlined her future plans to continue working toward unifying efforts and using data to strengthen Michigan’s justice system. “Going forward, my plan is to continue working to find ways to bring people together, to put data to work, and to make a difference in the lives of people so that interactions with our justice system result in safer communities and stronger families,” she said.

Clement’s decision to resign marks a pivotal moment in the Michigan Supreme Court’s composition, potentially shifting its ideological balance and shaping the state’s legal landscape for years to come.