Official Senate records and announcements

Senate to Confirm Biden's 235th Judge, Surpassing Trump's Record

Dec 20, 2024, 06:59 PM

The U.S. Senate is poised to confirm President Joe Biden's 235th federal judge, surpassing the total number of judicial confirmations achieved by former President Donald Trump during his first term. The Senate confirmed Benjamin Cheeks to the federal district court in Southern California by a vote of 49 to 47, tying Trump's record of 234 confirmations. The next vote, expected to occur soon, will be on the nomination of Serena Murillo to the federal district court in Central California, which would set a new record. This milestone comes as the Senate aims to finalize judicial appointments before the end of the year, with the upcoming change to a Republican-led Senate in January. Biden's judicial appointments have focused on diversity, with about two-thirds being women and a majority being people of color, including the historic appointment of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first African-American woman on the nation's highest court. Notably, 85% of Biden's confirmed judges have received bipartisan support, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is aiming to break Trump's record by confirming 235 judges.