Biden announces 11 judicial nominees, including three Black women and first Muslim district judge

‘We are particularly focused on nominating individuals whose legal experiences have been historically underrepresented on the federal bench’

Biden (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Joe Biden announced his picks for 11 federal judiciary seats, which includes three Black women and the first Muslim individual to be named to a district court.

The president's nominations include US District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was tapped to replace attorney general Merrick Garland on the US appeals court in the District of Columbia circuit.

He also nominated Judge Zahid Quraishi, from New Jersey, to lead a federal district court. Mr Quarishi will be the first Muslim individual named to the position.

Mr Biden reportedly developed his list of nominees based on recommendations from Democratic senators he requested back in December.

“We are particularly focused on nominating individuals whose legal experiences have been historically underrepresented on the federal bench,” he said, “including those who are public defenders, civil rights and legal aid attorneys and those who represent Americans in every walk of life.”

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Biden also selected Candace Jackson-Akiwumi for the Chicago-based seventh circuit and Tiffany Cunningham for the Washington federal circuit court.

Judge Rupa Ranga Puttagunta, a local judge in Washington DC with Indian ancestry, has been nominated for DC’s superior court.

Florence Pan, if confirmed, would be the first Asian American woman to be named to the DC district court, and Lydia Griggsby would be the first Black woman to head Maryland’s district court.

Mr Biden praised his nominations, calling his panel of picks “trailblazing” for its breadth of viewpoints.

“This trailblazing slate of nominees draws from the very best and brightest minds of the American legal profession,” he told The Washington Post. “Each is deeply qualified and prepared to deliver justice faithfully under our constitution and impartially to the American people – and together they represent the broad diversity of background, experience and perspective that makes our nation strong.”