Judicial Renominations Set the Tone for 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 8, 2024 – Today the White House released its list of renominations for candidates to be federal judges, which is generally a pro forma requirement for nominees whose confirmation is still pending from last year. The Biden Administration renominated seventeen Article III judges to the federal bench. However, five names were missing:

• Judge Charnelle Bjelkengren (Eastern District of Washington)
• Scott Colom (Northern District of Mississippi)
• Judge Todd Edelman (District of D.C.)
• Judge Marian Gaston (Southern District of California)
• Judge Colleen Holland (Western District of New York)

Without a renomination, these five distinguished individuals cannot advance back through committee and to the floor for a vote. Some or all of these nominees may no longer be under consideration for these federal judgeships.

Given the Biden administration has already fallen behind the Trump administration on judicial confirmations, this is a setback for filling all the vacancies that remain on the bench, of which there are more than 80.

Jake Faleschini, Justice Program Director at Alliance for Justice, issued the following statement:

“While it’s heartening the White House renominated several exceptional people and prioritized renominations early in the new year, it’s disappointing that these five nominees were not included. The Senate could have confirmed more judicial nominees before the end of the year if it had simply taken votes on these crucial lifetime positions. Instead, the nation begins 2024 further behind in the vital work of transforming our courts.

“It is our sincere hope that the Senate will take every available opportunity to fill the dozens of remaining vacancies on the bench. The White House likewise must continue to nominate highly qualified movement lawyers who will advance the cause of justice and restore faith in our courts. Our democracy and the rights of millions may very well depend on it.”

Press Contact

Zack Ford
Press Secretary
zack.ford@afj.org
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