NY Gov. Hochul taps new nominee for state chief judge

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced that she had selected Court of Appeals Associate Judge Rowan Wilson to serve at the state's chief judge.

Wilson has served on the appeals court since 2017 and would be the state's first black individual to hold the top judicial slot, Politico reported. His nomination follows the rejection of Hochul's first choice, Hector LaSalle, whom Senate Democrats rejected for being too moderate.

LaSalle failed to clear the state Judiciary Committee, though Republicans sued to secure a floor vote. LaSalle lost that vote in February, with lawmakers criticizing his past decisions that some characterized as opposing abortion and labor rights. Hochul's legislative peers appeared more receptive to Wilson, the outlet noted.

The governor heavily touted her second choice during the announcement, saying "Judge Wilson’s sterling record of upholding justice and fairness makes him well-suited to lead the court at this critical time."

Hochul further tapped former New York Solicitor General Caitlan Halligan to fill Wilson's current post.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.