Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement announced that she will vacate her seat on Michigan's Supreme Court by April 30. Her decision was reported by The Detroit News, and it allows Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to appoint her successor. This will strengthen the Democratic-nominated majority on the court.
With Clement's departure, the court will shift from a 5-2 Democratic-nominated majority to a 6-1 majority. Whitmer’s appointment will influence the court's future ideological direction, drawing attention to the process of judicial appointments.
"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 obtained by The Detroit News. Her tenure was noted for a strong focus on judicial integrity.
After her departure, Clement will become president of the National Center for State Courts in Virginia. "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 stated in a Michigan Supreme Court press release.
Governor Whitmer praised Clement’s service and commitment to the rule of law. She pledged to "ensure a smooth transition" and carefully review candidates for the vacant seat, as per The Detroit News. This will be Whitmer's second judicial appointment, after appointing Justice Kyra Harris Bolden in November 2022.
