Michigan Democrats expected to keep state Supreme Court edge with Whitmer pick

In this episode of MichMash, Stella Yu from Bridge Michigan joins Cheyna Roth to break down how Democrats may hold onto their majority in the Michigan Supreme Court after Chief Justice Bridget McCormack’s resignation.

Bridget McCormack

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack.


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In this episode

  • Chief Justice Bridget McCormack to step down from Michigan Supreme Court
  • Michigan Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock joins other GOP figures in the state by engaging in bigoted, homophobic name-calling
  • Abortion rights ballot measure update

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack has announced her resignation that will take effect by the end of the year. 

Bridge Michigan state politics reporter Stella Yu says McCormack’s departure can help Democrats maintain an edge on the Supreme Court — the Democratic Party currently leads with a 4-3 vote.

“She promised to leave after November 22, which is [a] pretty specific date,” Yu said. “But also, she promised to leave before the end of the year — so what that does…that definitely gives Whitmer the chance to replace her.”

Whitmer will have the chance to appoint a member of the Democratic Party as replacement and state law will prevent the Republican legislator from providing any input on Whitmer’s decision.

The person who is chosen for this position will serve until 2024 and be up for election for the remainder of the term ending in 2028.

Recently, Michigan Republicans have had a rise in LGBTQ attacks towards the Democratic Party — led by Republican Party Co-Chair Meshawn Maddock and Republican nominee for Michigan Attorney General Matthew DePerno. These insults have been addressed in several press releases and statements by the Democratic Party.

Yu says this tactic being done by Republicans may cause independent voters to feel alienated and the Michigan voting population to be more favorable towards the Democratic Party.

Ballad proposals for the upcoming November elections have been finalized with three ballad measures: abortion rights, changing term limits, and allowing nine days of early voting (along with increasing voting access).

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Author

  • David Leins
    David Leins is a Podcast Coordinator and Producer at WDET. He also oversees the StoryMakers program. When he isn't making radio and podcasts, David is probably on a hike somewhere marveling at the trees.