LANSING, Mich. — The chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court announced Wednesday that she is stepping down from the court by the end of April, opening the door for the court to have a 6-1 majority of Democratic-backed justices.
Elizabeth Clement did not provide a reason for her upcoming resignation.
“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 an interview.
“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.”
Michigan’s justices are technically nonpartisan, but they are nominated by parties and appointed by the governor in the event of a vacancy.
The court now has a 5-2 majority of Democratic-backed justices after gaining a seat in the November election.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has the authority to appoint a justice to fill Clement’s vacancy, resulting in a 6-1 majority of Democratic-backed justices. Whoever fills the vacancy must run for reelection in 2026 for the full eight-year term.
Republican Governor Rick Snyder appointed Clement to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2017. She was elected to a full term in the 2018 general election, which would end in 2026. In November 2022, she was appointed Chief Justice.
“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,” Clement said in the court’s statement.
