ACLU of Michigan Responds to Results of 2026 Midterm Elections

The Associated Press projected that pro-civil rights Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh and Justice Noah Hood both won reelection to new, eight-year terms on the state’s high court and that voters elected a majority pro-civil rights state Legislature. These are key victories for the protection and expansion of civil rights and liberties for Michiganders.

Merissa Kovach, ACLU of Michigan political director, issued the following statement:

“Michigan voters showed that they understand that electing a pro-civil rights Legislature and Michigan Supreme Court is key to advancing their civil rights and liberties. We are committed and prepared to advance a pro-civil rights legislative agenda and push for protections that impact the daily lives of Michiganders, including reproductive rights, voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Maintaining a pro-civil rights Michigan Supreme Court bench is also an exciting victory as their rulings are key to protecting our rights for years to come.”

The ACLU of Michigan, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU Voter Education Fund spent $2.3 million educating voters about the important civil liberties at stake in select Michigan House and Senate races, and the Michigan Supreme Court race. This included $400,000 in the Michigan Supreme Court race and $1.9 million in select legislative races. This program was part of the ACLU’s efforts to inform voters of the civil rights and liberties that were on their ballots, and remind them that the Michigan Supreme Court and state lawmakers are key to shaping the rights of every Michigander, including their voting rights, reproductive rights, and privacy rights.