Cavanagh, Hood victories preserve 6-1 Democratic majority on Michigan Supreme Court

Democratic-nominated incumbents Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Noah Hood have won reelection. The race was called just after 1 a.m. Wednesday by the Associated Press, at which point Cavanagh and Hood won 33.8% and 29.1% of the vote, respectively.

While the race is nonpartisan on the ballot, political parties nominate candidates. Experts said going into the election that, without parties listed on the ballot, incumbents hold a strong advantage. Cavanagh and Hood defeated Republicans Casandra Morse-Bills and Michael Warren, and U.S. Taxpayers Party nominees Thomas Howe and Jody White.

Speaking to the Michigan Democratic Party watch party just after 10 p.m., Cavanagh and Hood both thanked campaign volunteers and staff.

“We talked about what it means to vote justice first, not politics first, not special interests first, not personal agendas first. Justice first,” Cavanagh said. “Tonight, results tell me that this message resonated with people around this state because the people in this state believe our court should remain places where every person is treated fairly, heard respectfully, and judged according to the law.”

Cavanagh said that beginning her new eight-year term, she would do so “with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.”

“The trust the voters have placed in me is not something I take lightly,” she said. “I will continue to approach every case with an open mind, respect for the law, and dedication to equal justice under the law.”

Hood, the newest member of the Michigan Supreme Court, was elected to his first full term on the court. 

“Tonight, I am grateful to the wisdom and forethought of our governor to appointing me to this position, I am grateful for the wisdom and forethought of our party for nominating me to stay on, and I am grateful for the wisdom and forethought of every single one of you for voting and keeping me in office,” he said. 

Hood also reflected on working at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit seven years ago, about a quarter-mile from the watch party.

“Tonight I promise you the same thing that I promised every person that came into my courtroom: that you will get even-handed justice, and that you will not walk out of the courtroom confused. That is the best that I can offer,” he said.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel also released a statement, following the victories.

“Our democracy calls for three branches of government, each with integrity. It’s more important than ever that those who run our judicial system respect and uphold the rule of law. That’s why Michigan Democrats celebrate the election of Chief Justice Cavanagh and Justice Hood to our state’s Supreme Court — they have and will continue to defend and uphold our state’s Constitution and the democracy it protects,” Hertel said.