This election cycle has focused heavily on the races for governor and U.S. Senate. And rightfully so. Those offices matter deeply to our daily lives. But there’s another critical part of the ballot that has flown mostly under the radar statewide. That’s the nonpartisan Michigan Supreme Court race, which serves to elect the judges who will serve as the ultimate arbiters of our rights, our safety, and our freedom.
For Black Detroiters, this election cycle carries immense weight. Our courts write the rules that govern labor protections, voting access, and neighborhood safety, meaning we can’t afford to leave our highest court to chance or voter fatigue. Too many voters reach the nonpartisan section of the ballot and experience drop-off, leaving foundational decisions to chance.
Resources like Justice for All highlight how crucial it is to keep our judiciary accountable, transparent, and entirely grounded in the real lives of working families. When we look for judges who understand the heavy human impact of their legal rulings, we find leaders whose track records speak volumes about their integrity.
That is why the Michigan Chronicle is proud to enthusiastically endorse Justice Noah Hood for the Michigan Supreme Court. Justice Hood was appointed to the seat by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in April 2025, and is a true son of Detroit whose personal and professional roots run deep in our local community.
From his days walking the halls of Cass Technical High School as valedictorian to his rigorous education at Yale and Harvard, he has always carried a profound commitment to excellence and public service. Yet his exceptional legal brilliance has always been paired with a genuine, down-to-earth heart for everyday people.
He has served our community with distinction across every tier of the legal system, from his impactful work as a federal prosecutor to his time handling complex dockets on the bench. He always brings a sharp legal mind and an unshakeable moral compass to the courtroom, remembering that every case involves real human lives.
Here at the Michigan Chronicle, we have long recognized his extraordinary impact and dedication to our region. Justice Hood has been proudly honored by our publication as a featured leader in our Power 50.
Since Justice Hood has sat on the state’s highest court, he’s brought a perspective shaped right here in Detroit’s rich civil rights and legal legacy. He ensures that our stories, our struggles, and our pursuit of fairness are never forgotten in the halls of Lansing.
We are equally proud to endorse Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh for the Michigan Supreme Court. Chief Justice Cavanagh has spent her tenure on the court fighting to ensure that Michigan’s judicial system works effectively and fairly for every single resident.
Her leadership has been defined by an unwavering commitment to expanding access to justice, supporting problem-solving and treatment courts, and protecting vulnerable children and families. She understands that a strong court extends beyond handing down rulings from an ivory tower. Its purpose is to burst open the doors of justice to everyone.
Her dedication to safeguarding our fundamental freedoms, reproductive rights, and constitutional protections has made her an indispensable pillar of fairness on our state’s highest court. She consistently demonstrates that judicial integrity means protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background or zip code.
When we think about the makeup of our Supreme Court today, we are reminded of the incredible strides we have made and the trailblazers who paved the way. Just a couple of years ago, we witnessed history with the election and appointment of Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, whose groundbreaking ascension to the bench broke barriers that had stood for generations.
That historic moment showcased what happens when our community mobilizes, organizes, and demands a judiciary that reflects the diverse beauty and brilliance of Michigan. Re-electing champions like Justice Noah Hood and Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh is the natural continuation of that journey.
It ensures that our momentum toward true equity and inclusion does not stall out, but instead deepens and endures. We need leaders on that bench who view justice as a commitment to the people. And when the people’s rights are being threatened by people who want to reduce our rights across the board, it’s imperative that we show up and elect people who are dedicated to preserving those rights.
That’s what Justice Noah Hood and Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh represent. That’s why Michigan Chronicle proudly endorses them.