Michigan's highest judicial body has a left-leaning tilt, with Democrats holding a five to two majority on the state Supreme Court.

However, their majority is set to grow as one of the court's two Republican appointees recently announced that she is stepping down. 

Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement will head up Virginia-based organization

According to The Detroit News, Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement announced her plans to depart in a statement put out on Wednesday.

"Leading our state’s highest court has been an opportunity to continue a proud record of independence, fairness, and commitment to the rule of law," Clement was quoted as saying.`

The outgoing chief justice indicated that she wishes "to bring people together, to put data to work, and to make a difference in the lives of people."

Clement, whose eight-year term was set to expire at the end of next year, will become president of the Virginia-based National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

Her decision was welcomed by Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, who serves as chair of the NCSC's presidential search committee.

Clement hailed for being "a problem-solver in every branch of government"

"Beth is an outstanding generational leader and an ideal President for NCSC to drive innovation and progress in our state courts and justice systems," Rush said in a statement of her own.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter. Justice Elizabeth Clement has been appointed the next President of the National Center for State Courts, effective this spring.

Learn more: https://t.co/nDjWc4IUvH. pic.twitter.com/sivTYqq5dv

— National Center for State Courts (@StateCourts) February 19, 2025

The Indiana chief justice went on to say that Clement "has worked as a problem-solver in every branch of government and has significant experience with state court administration."

Clement, who was appointed by former Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, will see her replacement chosen by current Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Second time that Whitmer has appointed a justice to the state Supreme Court

The governor praised Clement's "distinguished tenure" as well as her record as "an independent minded jurist who upheld the rule of law, protected our constitutional values, and stood strong for the principles of justice."

Whitmer went on to promise that she will "ensure a smooth transition" and plans to name Clement's successor following "a thorough review."

This will be the second state Supreme Court justice whom Whitmer has appointed, with the first being Justice Kyra Harris Bolden in January of 2023.