A contentious judicial nomination took a sharp turn this week when Republican Senator Thom Tillis vowed to block President Biden’s choice for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, North Carolina Solicitor General Ryan Park. Despite Park’s advancement through the Senate Judiciary Committee, where the vote was narrowly split 11-10 along party lines, Tillis declared he had enough support to derail the confirmation in the full Senate.
Tillis, who represents Park’s home state, voiced frustration over the White House’s handling of the nomination process, accusing it of failing to collaborate with him in selecting a more suitable, bipartisan candidate for the circuit, which encompasses North Carolina. He specifically pointed to Park’s association with Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and their legal challenges against former President Trump’s tough immigration policies. “I have the votes to defeat this nominee,” Tillis said, affirming his stance during a tense committee hearing.
Despite Tillis’ objections, the nomination moved forward on a party-line vote, with Democrats expressing confidence in Park’s credentials. White House spokesman Andrew Bates defended Park, calling him “deeply qualified” and claiming that opposition to his confirmation was detrimental to the people of North Carolina.
While historically, Tillis’ opposition might have doomed the nomination due to the Senate’s “blue slip” tradition—requiring support from home-state senators—Democrats have circumvented this practice for appellate court nominees, enabling Park’s progress despite the lack of Tillis’ backing.
If confirmed, Park would make history as the first Asian American to serve on the Richmond-based appeals court, joining a bench where Democratic appointees hold a commanding majority. A former clerk for Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Souter, Park has held significant legal roles in North Carolina, including arguing in high-profile cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. But with a fiercely divided Senate, his confirmation remains uncertain as the clock ticks toward a potential Republican takeover.
