Biden Nominations of diversity champions to federal judicial California court bacancies

President Joe Biden has announced his intent Nominations of Judge Serena Murillo of Los Angeles and U.S. Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheeks of San Diego for lifetime appointments to federal judicial roles in California.

The White House confirmed the nominations on Wednesday, setting the stage for a significant shift in representation within the U.S. District Court for the Central and Southern Districts of California.

“Californians deserve a federal bench that reflects the diversity of the Golden State,” said Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif. “I applaud the President’s nomination of Judge Serena Murillo and Judge Ben Cheeks to the United States District Courts for the Central District and Southern District of California, respectively.”

Biden’s judicial appointments have made history by including more women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals than any previous administration, according to a Washington Post analysis. Judge Murillo, who has served on the Los Angeles Superior Court for nine years, brings a wealth of experience to her nomination. She has presided over felony trials and has been involved in the court’s appellate and civil divisions. As a member of the Los Angeles Superior Court Latino Judicial Officers Association and president-elect of California Women Judges, she has been a strong advocate for increasing women’s representation in the judiciary.

“The daughter of a Mexican-American farm worker and a schoolteacher, Judge Murillo has demonstrated a tireless work ethic and developed extensive criminal and civil judicial experience with the Los Angeles County Superior Court,” remarked Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif.

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Magistrate Judge Cheeks, who has been serving in the Southern District since July, also brings a notable background to his nomination. With over a decade of experience as a criminal defense lawyer and previous roles as an assistant U.S. attorney and assistant district attorney in New York, Cheeks has a well-rounded legal portfolio.

“Judge Cheeks has earned immense respect from his colleagues in the Southern District and has fought to protect vulnerable immigrants against fraud,” Padilla added.

Both nominations require Senate confirmation, with lawmakers returning next month to consider Biden’s choices. As California seeks to reshape its judicial landscape, the focus on diversity in these appointments underscores a commitment to a legal system that truly reflects its constituents.