Whitmer Appoints First Black Woman To MI Supreme Court: Report

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer chose Kyra Harris Bolden to fill a vacant seat on Michigan's Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman appointed to the state's top court, according to reports.

Bolden, 34, is a state lawmaker from the Detroit area. She was a Democratic nominee for the Supreme Court in the Nov. 8 election, but finished third in a race for two seats.

"Kyra is passionate about the law and will be the first Black woman ever to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court," Whitmer said. "She will bring a unique perspective to our high court as a Black woman — and as a new working mom — that has too long been left out."

The seat became vacant after Justice Bridget McCormack decided to step down in September. She served as chief justice until this week, when members of the court chose Justice Elizabeth Clement to take over.