MI Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack Plans To Leave Court

MICHIGAN — Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack announced Monday she will leave the court before the end of the year, allowing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pick her replacement whether she wins or loses the governor's race.

McCormack, who was nominated by the Democratic Party, plans to walk away sometime between Nov. 22 and the end of the year. Michigan Supreme Court Justices serve eight-year terms.

"After a decade, the time has come for me to move on, to let others lead, and to build on a foundation of progress," McCormack said in a written statement.

McCormack, 56, was re-elected to the court in 2020 and has served as chief justice since 2019. As Chief Justice, she promoted statewide initiatives to advance equal access to justice and improve the courts’ service to the public.

McCormack was first elected to the court in 2012. In addition to her role on the court and in the classroom, McCormack serves on several boards and commissions at the national and state level, including the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, the Michigan Jail Reform Advisory Council and the Task Force on Forensic Science.

"Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack is a phenomenal public servant," Whitmer said. "In her tenure on the Michigan Supreme Court, she upheld the rule of law, stood strong for our constitutional values, and protected the fundamental rights of every Michigander."