In a significant achievement for his administration, President Joe Biden celebrated his 200th judicial appointment on Wednesday, a milestone reached with the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of two new judges. This accomplishment surpasses the pace set by his predecessor, Donald Trump, and comes as Biden prepares for a potential rematch in the upcoming November election.
Biden’s allies view this achievement as a testament to his commitment to matching Trump’s total of 234 judicial appointments within a single term. Earlier concerns that Biden might fall short have been alleviated as the Senate confirmed U.S. Magistrate Judge Angela Martinez and California state court judge Dena Coggins, bringing the total to 201.
Biden marked the milestone as “another step in protecting the freedoms and liberties of all Americans,” pledging to continue nominating judges. The President’s strategy has involved negotiating with Republican senators to fill trial court vacancies in their states, often resulting in more moderate appointments.
Trump, during his term, appointed the second-highest number of judges in history, second only to Jimmy Carter. Biden’s progress is notable, considering he inherited fewer vacancies than Trump. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin expressed optimism about matching Trump’s record, emphasizing the Senate Democrats’ success despite the narrow 51-49 majority.
The broader impact of these judicial appointments is significant. Trump’s tenure saw a shift toward a conservative judiciary, including a 6-3 conservative majority in the Supreme Court, which delivered landmark rulings on abortion, gun rights, and regulatory powers. Biden’s single Supreme Court appointment, Ketanji Brown Jackson, marked a historic first as she became the first Black woman to serve on the court.
Biden’s influence extends beyond numbers, with a notable focus on diversity: two-thirds of his appointees are women, and many are from racial minority backgrounds. His administration has made significant strides in reshaping the judiciary, appointing judges with varied professional backgrounds and perspectives.
However, challenges remain. Biden’s goal of surpassing Trump’s 234 appointments faces obstacles, including potential Senate stalls and the uncertainty of pending nominees. The nomination of Adeel Mangi, poised to become the first Muslim federal appeals court judge, exemplifies the difficulties in navigating a closely divided Senate.
Despite these hurdles, Biden’s administration continues to push forward. White House senior counsel Phil Brest highlighted ongoing collaborations with Republican offices to secure confirmations, underscoring a pragmatic approach to judicial appointments in a highly polarized political climate.
As the election approaches, the Biden administration’s judicial appointments stand as a critical element of its legacy, with potential long-term implications for the federal judiciary’s direction and decisions.
