The Democratic-led Senate this week confirmed Brad Garcia to the U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Columbia, making him the first Latino to sit on the bench.
Mr. Garcia, 36, works as an assistant deputy attorney general in the Justice Department and has worked as a lawyer, having appeared before the Supreme Court.
The Senate voted 53-40 for his confirmation. Republican sens Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted with Democrats to confirm the nominee.
“Big news – The Senate has just confirmed Bradley Garcia as Circuit Court Judge for the all-important DC Circuit! He has extensive public and private legal experience defending civil and human rights! And he’s stepping into the ‘History as the first Latino to serve on the DC Circuit!’Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, tweeted after Monday’s vote.
Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, noted that the confirmation fulfills part of President Biden’s promise to make the justice system more diverse. The Senate has confirmed 127 justices since Mr. Biden took office.
“Since I held the gavel of the Senate Judiciary Committee and President Biden took office, we have worked to advance highly qualified candidates for the federal bench who reflect America’s diversity. I congratulate Mr. Garcia on becoming the thirty-third confirmed Circuit Court Judge under President Biden, and the latest example of the Senate Judiciary Committee nominating nominees who will ensure a fair justice system for all,” said Mr. Durbin.
Senate Republicans tried to put a Hispanic judge on the DC circuit in 2001 under President George W. Bush, who nominated Miguel Estrada. Democrats filibustered the nomination, blocking confirmation of its nominee.