The Senate approved President Joe Biden’s 235th lifetime federal judge on Friday, breaking a record from Donald Trump’s first term by one.
“This is the highest number of judicial confirmations in a single term since President Jimmy Carter’s time,” the White House stated. “These judges, all highly qualified and committed to the rule of law, will serve for decades.”
Appointing judges is one of a president’s lasting impacts since their decisions shape the law long after the president leaves office. Biden has appointed more women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from diverse professional backgrounds than any previous president. This fulfills his campaign promise to make the judiciary reflect the diversity of the nation.
The 235th appointee, Serena Murillo, was a Los Angeles County judge whose father immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a farm laborer. She will serve in the Central District of California.
“President Biden has set new records in the diversity of his appointees,” the White House noted. “This ensures the Judiciary reflects the communities it serves while maintaining high standards of qualifications and ability.”
Biden’s confirmations include one Supreme Court justice, 45 appellate judges, and 187 district court judges, with most being women or people of color.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, set to begin his second term on January 20, 2025, will have four more years to continue appointing judges, especially with a Republican-controlled Senate likely supporting more confirmations in the next two years.
