The chief justice on the Michigan Supreme Court is resigning, lighting the path for a liberal supermajority. The court is currently 5-2 with Democratic-backed justices in the majority, but Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement’s impending resignation gives room for Gov.

The chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court announced Wednesday that she is stepping down from the court by the end of April, opening the door for the court to have a 6-1 majority of Democratic-backed justices.

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, a Republican nominee willing to sometimes go against the wishes of her party, plans to resign by the end of April. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will appoint her successor.

Justice Elizabeth Clement will step down from Michigan's Supreme Court, allowing Gov. Whitmer to appoint her successor.