In a landmark move, the U.S. Senate, in a rare display of bipartisanship, has confirmed John Kazen as the inaugural federal judge of the year 2024. The Texan magistrate judge from Laredo received resounding support from both sides of the aisle, with an 83-14 vote, making him President Joe Biden’s initial successful district court nominee in the state.
Kazen’s confirmation is notable not only for its historical timing but also for the backing he received from Texas Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. The state’s unique “blue slip” tradition, requiring senators’ approval before a district court nominee can proceed, underscored the significance of their support. This move breaks from the perceived trend where senators wield this power to impede or obstruct judicial appointments, as lamented by progressive advocates.
Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, commended the bipartisan cooperation exemplified by Kazen’s confirmation. Durbin reaffirmed his commitment to the blue slip tradition, emphasizing the potential for collaborative efforts between Republicans and the White House in identifying qualified nominees.
While Kazen’s confirmation is a significant milestone, Texas still grapples with seven federal district court vacancies. President Biden, on December 19, announced plans to nominate U.S. Magistrate Judges Ernesto Gonzalez and Leon Schydlower to fill two of these vacancies in the state’s Western District.
This confirmation marks the 167th approval of one of President Biden’s federal judicial nominees. However, concerns linger among progressive advocates about the potential shortfall compared to the 234 appointments made by former President Donald Trump during his four-year term.
John Kazen, who served as a magistrate judge since 2018 and previously helmed the law firm Kazen, Meurer, & Pérez, will now follow in the esteemed footsteps of his late father, George Kazen. George Kazen retired as a federal judge in the Southern District of Texas in 2018, and the Laredo courthouse was renamed in his honor in the same year.
As the legal landscape in Texas undergoes a transformation, Kazen’s confirmation reflects a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of judicial appointments, signaling potential shifts in future collaborations between the Senate and the White House.
