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Michigan Supreme Court elections, 2020

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Seven candidates ran in the general election for two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court on November 3, 2020. The two seats were held by Bridget Mary McCormack and Stephen Markman, a Republican-appointed justice who had reached his mandatory retirement age and was not eligible to run for re-election.

Justice McCormack held her place as Chief Justice, and Elizabeth Welch (D) won Justice Markman’s seat. The partisan balance on the court flipped to 4-3, with Democrats controlling the court. At the time of the election, four of the seven justices on the court were appointed by Republican governors to fill vacancies. Three of the justices on the court advanced from Democratic conventions before winning general elections.

Although the general election is nonpartisan, political parties in Michigan may nominate candidates for state supreme court elections. The Democratic Party nominated incumbent Bridget Mary McCormack and Elizabeth Welch, the Republican Party nominated Brock Swartzle and Mary Kelly, and the Libertarian Party nominated Kerry Lee Morgan and Katie Nepton. A seventh candidate, Susan L. Hubbard, was not nominated by a political party. The Democratic and Republican nominating conventions took place on August 29, 2020.


Election procedure changes in 2020

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia provided comprehensive coverage of how election dates and procedures changed in 2020. While the majority of changes occurred as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some changes occurred for other reasons.

Michigan modified its absentee/mail-in voting procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

  • Absentee/mail-in voting: Absentee ballot applications were sent to all registered voters in the general election.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

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Candidates and election results

McCormack's seat and Markman vacancy

General election

General election for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Michigan Supreme Court on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Bridget Mary McCormack
Bridget Mary McCormack (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
32.3
 
2,377,410
Image of Elizabeth Welch
Elizabeth Welch (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
20.2
 
1,490,550
Image of Mary Kelly
Mary Kelly (Nonpartisan)
 
17.0
 
1,252,692
Image of Brock Swartzle
Brock Swartzle (Nonpartisan)
 
13.7
 
1,009,320
Image of Susan L. Hubbard
Susan L. Hubbard (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
8.3
 
611,019
Image of Kerry Lee Morgan
Kerry Lee Morgan (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
4.6
 
340,396
Image of Katie Nepton
Katie Nepton (Nonpartisan)
 
3.9
 
290,377

Total votes: 7,371,764
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic convention

Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Incumbent Bridget Mary McCormack and Elizabeth Welch advanced from the Democratic convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 29, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Bridget Mary McCormack
Bridget Mary McCormack (D) Candidate Connection
Image of Elizabeth Welch
Elizabeth Welch (D) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Republican convention

Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Mary Kelly and Brock Swartzle advanced from the Republican convention for Michigan Supreme Court on August 29, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Mary Kelly
Mary Kelly (R)
Image of Brock Swartzle
Brock Swartzle (R)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

Kerry Lee Morgan and Katie Nepton advanced from the Libertarian convention for Michigan Supreme Court on July 18, 2020.

Candidate
Image of Kerry Lee Morgan
Kerry Lee Morgan (L) Candidate Connection
Image of Katie Nepton
Katie Nepton (L)

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Justices not on the ballot

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways. Either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey or Ballotpedia staff created a profile after identifying the candidate as noteworthy.[2] Ballotpedia staff compiled profiles based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements.

Image of Bridget Mary McCormack

Facebook

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2012 and unanimously selected by my colleagues to serve as chief justice in January 2019. This year I am seeking reelection to a second term on the court. I have worked to ensure the court remains independent from political pressure, and where being right is more important than being popular or powerful. I've championed efforts to make Michigan's trial courts accessible and transparent through programs like: MI-Resolve that gives people a way to resolve differences online without having to hire a lawyer or appear in court; problem-solving courts that address the underlying issues, like substance abuse, that often are the reason people find themselves in court; and the use of technology to make Michigan courts more accessible and efficient. I launched the court's Justice for All Taskforce and co-chair the Governor's Taskforce on Jail and Pretrial Reform. Prior to my election, I was associate dean at the University of Michigan Law School where I helped establish many of the clinical programs in which students represent Michiganders who otherwise could not afford to hire a lawyer. I currently reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan and enjoy frequent trips to West Michigan. "


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Courts must be independent from political pressure.


The courts belong to the people; they must be accessible to all, treat people with dignity and respect and be transparent.


Courthouses must dramatically increase innovation and technology to meet the access to justice challenge and make sure people can get their business done efficiently.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Elizabeth Welch

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I began my legal career 25 years ago, practicing employment law first with two large law firms and then started my own practice in 2004. My current work has focused heavily upon COVID-19 in the workplace, safety issues, and unemployment issues. I also have handled criminal law matters and abuse/neglect matters and have worked extensively as an unpaid advocate on issues involving conservation, voting rights, and public education. I have served on the boards of numerous non-profit and advocacy organizations in Michigan. I currently serve as Vice President of the Steelcase Foundation, Trustee on the Grand Valley University Foundation, and am a member of the School Finance Research Collaborative (which studied the true cost to educate a child in Michigan). My past service includes Vice President of my local Board of Education, board/leadership positions with the Grand Rapids Bar Association, Women Lawyers, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and election protection work with NAACP WIN and the GR Mayor's Task Force. My husband, Brian Schwartz, and I have four kids in our blended family. Our oldest son is a United States Air Force Academy graduate (now serving), and our other two sons and daughter are in college."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


My work, nonprofit, and advocacy experience will bring an important perspective to our State's highest Court. We need justices who understand frontline issues and who have a proven track record of serving the people of our State.


We need justices who will lead on important changes to the justice system. We need to continue the hard work of addressing disparities in our criminal justice system and the access to justice crisis (lack of counsel) in our civil justice system. Our justices should lead on these important issues. My work the past 15 years has been largely devoted to fighting for fairness for everyone. The work of the courts should be the same.


Our court system must be accessible and transparent. Important technological changes were forced upon the system due to the public health crisis. Many of these changes were long overdue and should remain in place to allow the public easier access to the court system (whether as a participant or viewer). If elected, I will work to keep these improvements in place.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Mary Kelly

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Kelly worked over 30 years as a prosecutor in St. Clair County. She also worked in private practice as a general practitioner with emphasis on domestic matters, civil litigation, and criminal matters. She argued cases before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals.



Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.


Kelly's campaign website said, "Throughout her career Mary has been a steadfast champion of the rights of victims."


Kelly's campaign website said, "In 2015, Mary was awarded by her peers in the St. Clair County Bar Association with the James T. Corden Civility Award. This Award recognizes attorneys who practice law with dignity and respect. It honors attorneys who place a premium on integrity, honesty, ethics and fairness."


Kelly's campaign website said she "has developed a special empathy with those who have lost family and friends to drunk driving and substance abuse. Mary has directed her enthusiasm for this issue not only to holding those responsible accountable, but also working with agencies to design a more comprehensive approach to a treatment program that would effectively deter repeated substance abuse and combat re-victimization by the same individual."


Show sources

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Brock Swartzle

Website

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Swartzle worked as chief of staff for the speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives and general counsel for the house. He was litigation partner with Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. Swartzle was also a law clerk for three years in both the Eastern District of Michigan and the Western District of Michigan. He clerked for David McKeague on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for four years.



Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.


Swartzle said he intended "to be a judge who is blind to the parties before the bench, one who favors not the plaintiff, not the defendant, not the prosecutor, not the criminal defendant, not the government, not the corporation, not the individual, but a judge who focuses solely on the facts and the law."


Swartzle's campaign website said, "Judge Brock Swartzle is a proven rule-of-law conservative, and you can judge that for yourself by reading his published opinions. If a candidate claims to be a rule-of-law conservative, but you can’t read the proof for yourself, they’re certainly not proven, and they might not be as conservative as they claim."


In a post on his website Swartzle wrote, "A judge cannot be beholden to a particular political view; rather, a judge must be beholden to the Rule of Law. This is true even in the case of the Michigan Supreme Court, where political parties nominate candidates—we still run as nonpartisans, and the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct (applicable to judges and judicial candidates alike) reminds us that we must always be 'unswayed by partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism' when performing our professional duties."


Show sources

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Kerry Lee Morgan

Party: Libertarian Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Kerry's chief areas of practice involve municipal law, employment discrimination, civil rights, labor law litigation, environmental law, educational policy and federal firearms law. Kerry has extensive experience in matter related to labor law, where he has worked zealously with municipal and business clients to resolve disputes. In addition to advising parents on their rights in connection with the home education of their children, Kerry has also written a number of thought-provoking articles in the areas of natural law and unalienable rights. He completed an extensive legal review of religious liberty principles and Supreme Court cases titled, Unalienable Rights, Equality and the Free Exercise of Religion. In 1997, University Press of America published his book, Real Choice, Real Freedom in American Education, a scholarly work that articulates the legal and Constitutional case for parental rights and against governmental control of American Education. Kerry also engages in pro-bono work by advising parents on their rights in connection with the home education of their children. Prior to his current legal affiliation, he served as an Attorney-Advisor with the United States Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. he also served as the Director of the U.S. Bicentennial Project for Regent University."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


The Supreme Court needs Justices who will apply the law as written, not as it could be written in the mind of the Judge. My background in the law for over thirty five years has taught me the importance of this purpose. My experience in the practice of law before judges has taught me that judges are sometimes reluctant to simply apply the law as written. I can bring a balanced respect for the written law and the Constitution in particular to the bench, so that Justice may be done.


NA


NA

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Katie Nepton

Party: Libertarian Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Nepton received her JD in transactional law from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and her bachelor's in international relations and political science from the University of Connecticut. She worked as a victim advocate for the Bureau & Putnam County Health Department from 2007 through 2008.



Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.


In an interview, Nepton said, "I want to give people options. The two-party system hurts America and individual Americans. I believe in freedom – as much freedom for the individual as possible. No politician was talking about this."


In an interview, Nepton said, "I will help give power back to the citizens of Michigan. The smaller the government, the smaller the taxes… and the larger the freedoms for the individual!"


In an interview, Nepton said, "I believe in freedom. I believe each American should be given as much freedom in running their lives as possible. I believe every time we take away any freedom we undo the possibilities of tomorrow. More specifically I believe in the freedom to marry the person you choose; I believe in the freedom to have access to medical procedures and medical products; and the freedom to do with your body as you see fit."


Show sources

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Image of Susan L. Hubbard

WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "Judge Susan L. Hubbard has served on the Wayne County Circuit Court for the past ten years. She created the first instructional video for self-represented litigants in family cases who cannot afford attorneys, providing real access to justice. As a Wayne County Commissioner, Hubbard authored the county's first Ethics Ordinance against corruption and the county's first Airport Noise Abatement Program which resulted in the re-development of Detroit-Metro Airport in 2003. As a member of the Dearborn City Council, Hubbard authored ordinances protecting residential neighborhoods from industrial encroachment. Judge Hubbard rejects the politicization of the courts and believes strongly in applying the Rule of Law to each case and protecting our Constitution. Hubbard supported herself through college and law school graduating from Wayne State University and the Detroit College of Law. She began her career with the U.S. General Accounting Office where she audited federal programs ensuring for efficiency and testified at Congressional hearings on their effectiveness. "


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


Independence- throughout my public service I've been known as an Independent whose loyalty has always been to the public. I will continue to apply the Rule of Law equally to all.


Integrity - As a Dearborn Council member and County Commissioner I fought to protect residents and sponsored the county's first Ethics Ordinance prohibiting officials from self-dealing.


Committed - As a family division judge, Judge Hubbard authored the first instructional video on how to file for divorce for those who cannot afford attorneys providing real Access to Justice.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Michigan Supreme Court in 2020.

Campaign finance

Noteworthy events

Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate v. Gretchen Whitmer

On May 6, 2020, Republicans in the Michigan House and Senate filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) emergency declarations issued related to coronavirus. The lawsuit alleged that Whitmer exceeded her authority under two laws that formed the basis of her emergency declaration—the 1976 Emergency Management Act and the 1945 Emergency Powers of the Governor Act.[3]

On May 21, Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Diane Stephens ruled against the Michigan legislature, dismissing the lawsuit. She wrote that Gov. Whitmer exceeded her authority under the 1976 law but not the 1945 law.[4]

On May 22, the Legislature asked the state Supreme Court to take up the case.[5]

On October 2 the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision that Gov. Whitmer had no authority to issue or renew executive orders relating to Covid-19 beyond April 30. Justice Markman wrote the majority opinion. [6] Justices Brian K. Zahra, Elizabeth Clement, and David F. Viviano joined the majority. Justices Bridget M. McCormack, Richard H. Bernstein, and Megan K. Cavanagh dissented. [7]

About the Michigan Supreme Court

See also: Michigan Supreme Court

The Michigan Supreme Court is the court of last resort in Michigan. The court is located in the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, the state capital. There are seven justices on the court, one being the chief justice. Justices are elected to eight-year terms or appointed by the governor in the case of a vacancy. Most commonly, the court takes appeals from the Michigan Court of Appeals. It is also responsible for the administration and supervision of all lower courts in the state.[8]

Past elections

2018

See also: Michigan Supreme Court elections, 2018

Although the general election was officially nonpartisan, candidates were nominated to the ballot by party convention. Party affiliation listed below refers to the party that nominated each candidate.

General election

General election for Michigan Supreme Court (2 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Michigan Supreme Court on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Elizabeth Clement
Elizabeth Clement (R)
 
29.9
 
1,871,462
Image of Megan Cavanagh
Megan Cavanagh (D)
 
25.3
 
1,584,512
Image of Kurtis Wilder
Kurtis Wilder (R)
 
24.3
 
1,519,394
Image of Samuel Bagenstos
Samuel Bagenstos (D)
 
11.5
 
717,062
Image of Kerry Lee Morgan
Kerry Lee Morgan (L)
 
5.8
 
360,858
Image of Doug Dern
Doug Dern (Natural Law Party)
 
3.3
 
209,103

Total votes: 6,262,391
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Political composition

This was the political composition of the supreme court heading into the 2020 election.

Richard Bernstein Elected in 2014
Megan Cavanagh Elected in 2018
Elizabeth Clement Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2017
Stephen Markman Appointed by Gov. John Engler (R) in 1999; elected in 2004 and 2012
Bridget Mary McCormack Elected in 2012
David Viviano Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2013; elected in 2014 and 2016
Brian Zahra Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2011; elected in 2012 and 2014

Selection

See also: Judicial selection in Michigan

The seven justices of the Michigan Supreme Court are chosen in nonpartisan elections. They serve eight-year terms and must be re-elected if they wish to continue serving.[9] Incumbent judges seeking re-election may file an affidavit of candidacy requesting to be placed on the ballot, while non-incumbent candidates must either file a nominating petition or obtain a partisan nomination at a party convention. Incumbency is noted on the ballot, though party affiliation is not.[9]

In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election. At the governor's request, the state bar's standing committee on judicial qualifications interviews, evaluates, and rates all candidates, submitting a confidential report to the governor.[9]

Qualifications

In order to be elected to this court, a judge must:

  • be a qualified elector;
  • be licensed to practice law in the state;
  • have at least five years of law practice experience;
  • be under the age of 70.[9]

Sitting judges who reach age 70 are allowed to serve out the remainder of their term.[10]

Selection of the chief justice

The chief justice of the court serves a two-year term and is elected by his or her fellow justices.[9]


See also

Michigan Judicial Selection More Courts
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Courts in Michigan
Michigan Court of Appeals
Michigan Supreme Court
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Gubernatorial appointments
Judicial selection in Michigan
Federal courts
State courts
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External links

Footnotes

  1. Note: Markman reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 years and was not eligible to run for re-election.
  2. Candidate Connection surveys completed before September 26, 2019, were not used to generate candidate profiles. In battleground primaries, Ballotpedia based its selection of noteworthy candidates on polling, fundraising, and noteworthy endorsements. In battleground general elections, all major party candidates and any other candidates with the potential to impact the outcome of the race were included.
  3. The Detroit News, "Michigan House, Senate sue Gov. Whitmer, call emergency powers 'invalid'," May 6, 2020
  4. CNN, "Judge dismisses Michigan Legislature's lawsuit over governor's use of emergency powers," May 21, 2020
  5. The Detroit News, "Legislature asks Michigan Supreme Court to consider emergency powers case," May 26, 2020
  6. "CNN", "Michigan State Supreme Court Whitmer Emergency Powers," October 7, 2020
  7. Michigan Supreme Court , Recent Opinions, October 23, 2020
  8. Michigan Courts, "About the Supreme Court," accessed October 29, 2014
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Michigan," archived October 2, 2014
  10. Michigan Daily, "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014