In a significant move within the legal community, Anthony J. Brindisi has been confirmed to serve as a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. Brindisi, a former Democratic member of Congress and current judge on the New York State Court of Claims, will fill the position formerly held by 87-year-old David Hurd, the oldest active district court judge in the country.

A Close Vote in the Senate

Brindisi’s confirmation came after a narrow vote in the Democratic-led U.S. Senate, where he received a 50-49 endorsement. Nominated by President Joe Biden in July, Brindisi’s appointment marks a notable comeback for a politician who has faced significant challenges in his career, particularly during his congressional tenure.

A Historic Appointment

This appointment is particularly important as Brindisi becomes the first former member of Congress to join the federal judiciary in over two decades. His nomination overcame considerable Republican opposition, largely tied to his legislative history advocating for immigrant rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community. With this appointment, Brindisi reinvigorates a historical precedent that had lain dormant since 2002 when Bill Martini was confirmed in New Jersey after serving in the House as a Republican.

Facing Scrutiny

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Brindisi faced extensive questioning about his judicial philosophy and the potential impact of his prior political views. Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn challenged him directly, asking, “On the bench, are you a politician or a judge?” To which Brindisi firmly responded, “I’m a judge, senator.” This exchange reflects a broader effort on his part to project an image of impartiality and commitment to the rule of law.

Brindisi’s Political Journey

At 46 years old, Brindisi’s career is marked by his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, where he served a single term. His tenure ended when he lost his seat to Republican Claudia Tenney in the 2020 elections. Following his congressional defeat, Brindisi returned to his roots, rejoining his former law firm, Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman in Utica, before being appointed as a state court judge in 2022.

The Landscape of Judicial Appointments

The political atmosphere surrounding judicial confirmations remains tense, with significant pressure from both sides of the aisle. Following his appointment, former President Donald Trump criticized Democratic strategies to “stack the courts” with progressive judges and urged his party to resist further confirmations before the inauguration day. This underscores the contentious environment in which judicial appointments are currently being conducted.

Brindisi’s Vision as a Judge

Brindisi has made it clear that he views the role of a judge as distinct from his previous work as a legislator. He aims to reassure parties appearing before him that he will maintain a standard of fairness and impartiality, a sentiment echoed in various reports. His professional background and political experience will likely influence his approach on the bench, as he navigates the complexities of federal law and its intersection with social issues.