EAST LANSING – The Michigan Education Association announced Thursday that it recommends the candidacies of Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Thomas for the Michigan Supreme Court this November.

“Justice Kyra Harris Bolden and Kimberly Thomas are committed to equal access to justice and ensuring everyone is treated with fairness and respect, and that’s why the educators who comprise the Michigan Education Association are proud to recommend them in this November’s election,” said MEA President Chandra Madafferi, a teacher from Oakland County.

MEA also announced its continuing recommendations of Denise Ilitch to the University of Michigan Board of Regents and Mark Gaffney to the Wayne State University Board of Governors. Both incumbents are seeking reelection on Nov. 5.

“Denise Ilitch and Mark Gaffney are both strong leaders at their respective universities and are steadfast supporters of higher education faculty, staff and students,” Madafferi said.

As the state’s largest union of public employees, MEA members — who live and work in every Michigan county — have a long history of political engagement and helping friends of public education win elections.

The MEA-PAC Statewide Screening and Recommending Committee, a diverse panel of teachers, education support professionals, higher education faculty and staff and school retirees from across the state, carefully screens and interviews candidates prior to making recommendations. Candidates granted continuing recommendations were screened and interviewed in prior election cycles and have since demonstrated proven track records of supporting public education while in office.

MEA’s recommendations for other statewide seats will be decided later in 2024, along with local recommendations for legislative, school board and other races.