Who’s running for Michigan Supreme Court? 6 candidates compete for 2 seats

October 1, 2026

Michigan's Supreme Court has two seats up for election on November 3rd, with Republican-nominated circuit court judges challenging two Democrat-nominated incumbents on a court currently dominated 6-1 by justices appointed or nominated by Democrats. The Democratic candidates—Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood—face challengers Casandra Morse-Bills and Michael D. Warren Jr.

Who is affected

Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood (Democratic incumbents seeking reelection)
Circuit court judges Casandra Morse-Bills and Michael D. Warren Jr. (Republican challengers)
Thomas Howe and Jody White (US Taxpayers Party candidates)
Michigan residents and litigants affected by Supreme Court rulings
More than 20,000 people removed from the sex offender registry following a court decision
Attorney General Dana Nessel (whose investigation of Eli Lilly can now proceed)
Law enforcement officers subject to new civil arrest limitations in courtrooms
Trial court judges experiencing resource imbalances across the state

What action is being taken

Democratic incumbents are spending over $740,000 on television ads for reelection
The ACLU Voter Education Fund is spending approximately $400,000 on Michigan's Supreme Court elections
All six candidates are participating in forums hosted by the League of Women Voters
Attorney General Dana Nessel is proceeding with an investigation of Eli Lilly and Company's insulin pricing practices following a recent court ruling

Why it matters

This election could shift the ideological balance of Michigan's highest court, which makes final determinations on critical constitutional questions, legislative authority, and ballot measure eligibility. The court's recent decisions have already had far-reaching impacts, including removing over 20,000 people from the sex offender registry, limiting mandatory life sentences, restricting law enforcement arrests in courthouses, and expanding consumer protection enforcement. The 6-1 liberal majority has allowed the court to overturn previous precedents and establish new legal standards, making the outcome of this election significant for the direction of Michigan law on criminal justice, civil rights, and governmental authority for years to come.

What's next

The general election will be held on November 3rd, where voters will decide two eight-year Supreme Court terms.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com