Running for Justice of the Supreme Court · Michigan
Megan Kathleen Cavanagh
- Nominated by the Democratic Party of Michigan
- Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, which supports abortion access
- Chief Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court
- Focused on child welfare and family court reforms
- Supported by Michigan AFL-CIO and Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Biography
Cavanagh was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2018 and unanimously chosen by her colleagues last year to serve as Chief Justice. Prior to joining Michigan’s top court, Cavanagh was an appellate lawyer for 15 years. She said she is running to help create a justice system that is “accessible, transparent, and centered on people.” She grew up in East Lansing.
- Nominated by the Democratic Party of Michigan
- Michigan AFL-CIO
- Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
- AFT Michigan
- EMILYs List
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters
- Equality Michigan Action Network
- Michigan Association for Justice
- Former Attorney General Eric Holder
- Small Business Association of Michigan PAC
- Reproductive Freedom for All
- Recommended by Michigan Education Association
Where they stand
Abortion Access
MEGAN CAVANAGH: Cavanagh is endorsed by organizations that support abortion access, including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, the Democratic Party of Michigan, and EMILYs List. On the court, Cavanagh ruled to send Proposal 3 to voters, allowing Michiganders to vote on — and ultimately affirm — whether there was a right to access reproductive care, including abortion.
Education
MEGAN CAVANAGH: Cavanagh is recommended by the Michigan Education Association PAC and endorsed by AFT-Michigan. The Michigan Education Association opposes private school vouchers, which can increase school choice for parents but also reduce funding for public schools. In 2020, Cavanagh also ruled against providing taxpayer funding to private schools.
Environment
MEGAN CAVANAGH: On procedural grounds, Cavanagh rejected a ruling that would have left Michigan with “no enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water.” PFAS are long-lasting chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other health problems. Chemical manufacturer 3M argued that the state failed to provide an estimate of groundwater cleanup costs, violating Michigan’s Administrative Procedures Act. Cavanagh, in a procedural ruling, joined three other Michigan Supreme Court justices in asking an appeals court to reconsider the case, rather than affirming a decision in favor of 3M.