Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has selected Court of Appeals Judge Noah Hood to join the Michigan Supreme Court, subsequently changing the court's partisan makeup.
Gov. Whitmer's choice signifies a shift to a 6-1 Democratic majority on the Michigan Supreme Court. Noah Hood will replace Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, who is departing for a role in a national judicial organization. Her seat will be vacant by April 30, following her previous announcement regarding her departure.
Hood’s tenure will extend through the remainder of Clement's term, continuing through next year, which then leads into the 2026 election for an eight-year term. This marks Whitmer’s second Supreme Court appointment, following the previous naming of Justice Kyra Harris Bolden in 2022. The governor previously appointed Hood to the Wayne County Circuit Court in 2019, advancing him to the Court of Appeals in 2022.
Clement, originally appointed by former Gov. Rick Snyder in 2017, held the Chief Justice position since 2022. Her unexpected career shift opens a new chapter for both Clement and the Supreme Court. During her service, she established a reputation for fairness and conscientious leadership.
Hood, whose background includes work as a federal prosecutor and attorney, has education credentials from two prestigious institutions—Yale and Harvard. Alongside his extensive legal career, he has garnered recognition for several notable rulings. These rulings include a decision to dismiss a rezoning challenge by Ford Motor Co. and an appellate decision upholding the dismissal of a lawsuit related to the Faster Horses music festival.
Whitmer has announced that Judge Mariam Bazzi will fill Hood’s position on the Court of Appeals following his advancement to the Supreme Court. Bazzi's appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Arab American woman to ascend to an appellate judge position in Michigan, offering new diversity and representation within the state's judiciary.
Whitmer's appointments do not end with Hood and Bazzi; she also appointed Christopher Trebilcock and Daniel Korobkin to the Court of Appeals. These appointments frame a period of change and influence within Michigan's legal arenas.
Trebilcock, an attorney associated with the Clark Hill law firm, has rendered services to Whitmer and her campaign in legal capacities. Daniel Korobkin has held the position of legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan since 2019, adding further depth to the appellate court.
Amid these appointments, Hood expressed gratitude for the governor’s confidence and thanked Michigan's residents for the opportunity to further serve them. "I have had the distinct honor of serving the people of the state of Michigan for the past six years," Hood stated. He conveyed appreciation for the trust placed in him as he steps into this new role on the Supreme Court.
Hood affirmed his dedication to providing impartial and fair legal judgments. Furthermore, he stressed his commitment to upholding steady and reliable justice for Michigan residents. "I am deeply grateful to our governor for her decision to appoint me to serve on our Supreme Court," Hood expressed.
The future of Michigan’s higher courts now holds a different prospect. This period of succession and appointment underlines the evolving nature of judicial leadership. Each new appointee contributes fresh insights and experiences to Michigan's legal landscape.
As these changes unfold, the focus remains on sustaining integrity and impartiality across the board. The restructured court dynamic will be watched closely as it carries potential implications for legal proceedings and determinations across the state. Michigan residents are poised to witness the unfolding chapter of the state’s judiciary under Judge Hood’s tenure and the transition that follows.
As Michigan approaches this transformative judicial phase, the emphasis remains on delivering justice while safeguarding the interests and rights of all citizens. The transition and appointments set a forward trajectory for Michigan's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals amid evolving legal challenges and societal needs.
