Physicians across Michigan look to the Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee (MDPAC) for guidance on pro-medicine candidates at every level of the ballot. One of the most important—and often overlooked—areas is the election of Michigan Supreme Court justices.
The Michigan Supreme Court has a significant influence on how medicine is practiced in Michigan, from cases involving constitutional protections related to reproductive health care to shaping legal standards that affect medical liability cases, including decisions concerning expert witnesses. MDPAC takes its advisory role in these elections very seriously.
The endorsement process considers candidates’ professional records as well as their responses to a questionnaire shared with every candidate. The questions are designed to give the MDPAC Board insight into candidates’ views on issues that directly affect physicians and patients, including the role of the Supreme Court in medical malpractice litigation, the impact of significant malpractice judgments, the adequacy of Michigan’s existing legal framework and precedent, and potential legislative or judicial approaches to these issues. Candidates are also asked to share their fundamental legal principles, including the importance they place on precedent and their support for stare decisis.
Together, these considerations help the MDPAC Board evaluate candidates’ understanding of the legal issues affecting the practice of medicine and their approach to the principles that guide the state’s highest court.
Candidate questionnaires are due shortly, with the MDPAC Board meeting during the week of September 21, 2026, to discuss. Endorsements are expected to be announced in Medigram shortly thereafter.
For further information, please contact MSMS Director of Government Affairs, Kate Dorsey, at 517-336-5737 or kdorsey@msms.org.