Megan Cavanagh

Megan Cavanagh earned a high school diploma from East Lansing High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan College of Engineering in 1993, and a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.[5] Before her election to the court, Cavanagh had previously worked as an attorney with Garan Lucow Miller PC in Detroit, Michigan.[5]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Lansing, Michigan, raised in East Lansing, and have built my career around the belief that the justice system should be fair, accessible, and grounded in the real lives of the people it serves. I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in environmental engineering and began my career as a consultant evaluating environmental risk and property development before earning my law degree from Wayne State University. I practiced appellate law in Detroit for more than 15 years, where my work required careful legal analysis, sound judgement, and a deep understanding of how court decisions affect families, businesses, and communities across Michigan. Since being elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2018 and unanimously selected as Chief Justice by my colleagues in 2025, I have focused on expanding access to justice, improving child welfare outcomes, strengthening legal representation for families, and building meaningful collaboration with tribal courts. I believe justice should improve people’s lives and that the courts should be transparent, accountable, and centered on dignity for every person who comes before them.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A significant part of my career has been focused on strengthening the legal system beyond any individual case. Before joining the court, I practiced appellate law for more than 15 years and also served in leadership roles within the State Bar of Michigan, including Chair of the Appellate Practice Section and council member of the Negligence Law Section, where I worked on issues related to access to courts, appellate practice, and administration of justice statewide. I carry that experience with me on the bench and understand that a strong judiciary requires careful legal analysis, collaboration, impartiality, and a commitment to making the judicial system work fairly for the people it serves.As Chief Justice, I’ve focused on ensuring Michigan’s courts function effectively at every level. That includes work with trial courts, tribal courts, judges, court administrators, and legal professionals to improve access, consistency, and outcomes for families and communities. As Chief, it is my responsibility to ensure that our courts have the support, guidance and resources needed to ensure access for everyone equally. I have also prioritized work on child welfare, legal representation for families, treatment and problem-solving courts, and collaboration with tribal courts, recognizing the importance of tribal sovereignty and the value of the courts learning from one another. Our courts should be accessible, responsive, and more just.The Michigan Supreme Court has a direct impact on how justice is administered across our state, but these races are too often overlooked because they appear on the nonpartisan section of the ballot. Straight ticket voting does not apply in these races and voter drop off remains high even though the Court decides issues affecting our rights, families, and access to justice. At a time when judicial independence and public trust in institutions are being threatened, strong state courts are more important than ever. I am committed to increasing awareness and participation in these races while ensuring that Michigan’s courts remain fair, transparent, and grounded in the lives of the people they serve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a Michigan Supreme Court Justice and candidate for re-election, I must adhere to the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, which limits my ability to comment on matters of public policy, including issues that could come before the courts. Because questions related to certain issues may be subject to judicial review, it would be inappropriate for me to give an opinion. I am committed to upholding the law impartially in every case.

I am committed to ensuring Michigan’s courts work effectively for all. This means improving accessibility, clarifying court processes, strengthening public trust, and ensuring lower courts are well resourced to serve communities fairly. People should be able to navigate the justice system with dignity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Emily’s List

MI List

Michigan Education Association

Michigan Association for Justice

United Auto Workers International Union

Michigan State AFL-CIO

Northern Midwest Region Council of Carpenters

Laborers’ International Union of North America

Michigan Democratic Party

Unite Here! Local 24

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951

Michigan League of Conservation Voters

AFSCME

Equality Michigan Action Network

Jane Fonda Climate PAC

National Democratic Redistricting Committee

Michigan United Action

Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80

Vote Mama

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan

National Association of Social Workers Michigan

MI Nurses Association PAC

MI Realtors PAC

Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council

Small Biz PAC

Emgage