Clement's departure from Michigan Supreme Court gives Democrats a slightly easier 2026 electoral map

[marmar]

(Michigan Advance) The surprise announcement by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement that she will step down from that post could ensconce Democratic control of the court for at least the next decade.

Clement, who said late Wednesday she would be leaving the state’s highest court no later than April 30, plans to take on the role as president of the Virginia-based National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit that provides assistance and resources to courts both nationally and around the world.

While the announcement was unexpected, Adrian Hemond, a Democratic political consultant who operates Lansing-based Grassroots Midwest, says it really isn’t a surprise why Clement is leaving.

“The job she’s taking, what will be her predecessor in that job, was getting paid about double what she does as a Supreme Court justice. We don’t have to go looking far for explanations,” he said. “Most people if you come to them and say ‘Hey, I have a job opportunity for you. I’ll double your salary,’ how many people are going to say no to that?” .............(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/briefs/clements-departure-from-michigan-supreme-court-gives-democrats-a-slightly-easier-2026-electoral-map/