Update Feb. 20, 2025
Following the announcement that Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement is resigning from the court, the National Center for State Courts announced Clement as its next president.
The NCSC is a non-profit that serves as a resource for courts around the country and works to improve court administration practices.
In a release published on the group's website, Clement said, "I am excited to work with the organization’s talented team to extend the reach of its critical work."
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Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement 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.
Clement did not give 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 a statement. “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 or appointed by the governor in the case of a vacancy. The court currently has a 5-2 majority of justices backed by Democrats after picking up a seat in the November election.
Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has the opportunity to appoint a justice to fill Clement's vacancy and create a 6-1 majority of Democratic-backed justices. Whoever fills the vacancy must run for retention in 2026 for a full eight-year term.
Clement was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2017 by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. She secured a full term in the 2018 general election and her term was set to end in 2026. In November 2022, she was chosen to serve as 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 statement released by the court.
