Top Democrats in Congress have confirmed that they’re looking to confirm as many liberal judges as possible throughout the next few months, according to the New York Times. This is in an effort to rebalance the courts” President Joe Biden is currently only at 213 federal judges named and confirmed, whereas former President Donald Trump was able to name 234 judges, all of whom were predominantly conservative.

“That may mean some long sessions,” said Senator Richard J. Durbin, who is helping to lead the charge of getting liberal judges back into the courts. 

Durbin described the current number of judges as a “political miracle,” given that the Senate faced a 50-50 split of Republicans and Democrats in its first two years and a slight balancing in favor of Democrats now.

Related
Was Trump just caught gerrymandering on camera?

“I didn’t think we’d ever get to these numbers but we were determined to do so,” said Durbin. The White House was very cooperative, producing good nominees. And I just have to salute the committee. This is a tough assignment.”

It also helps that the judges are the most diverse set in the nation, with 64% of them being women and 40% being women of color. This administration even got the first Black woman onto the Supreme Court, Justice Katanji Brown Jackson. Additionally, 12 LGBTQ+ judges have been pushed through, more than any other President in history.

“These judges are the most diverse group of nominees the bench has ever seen,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, Senate majority leader. “Nearly two-thirds are women, two-thirds are people of color, and we’ve confirmed more Hispanic, Asian, and Native women and more LGBTQ+ judges to the federal bench than under any other president’s full time in office.”

Still, it remains to be seen just what impact Congressional Democrats have on judges in the remaining few months before their legislative session ends. Republicans remain skeptical that there will be any meaningful push, especially as they prepare to halt any efforts. All that’s known is the next few months will be some of the most eventful in our country’s history.

Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated