Sens. Warnock, Ossoff Announce Federal Nominations Advisory Commission

Press Release

Today, Georgia U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced their joint 2021 Federal Nominations Advisory Commission, which will review candidates on an ongoing basis for the positions of U.S. District Court Judge, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal positions in all three of Georgia's federal districts. The Commission will advise the Senators on their findings before the Senators make their final recommendations to President Biden.

The Constitution gives United States Senators the responsibility of providing advice and consent to the President on federal judicial nominations, and one important part of this role is recommending individuals to the President to serve as U.S. District Court Judges, as well as U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals.

Warnock and Ossoff's commission is composed of a diverse group of trial lawyers, judges, civil rights leaders, and criminal justice reform advocates, all of whom bring a wide array of experiences to help recommend candidates for the federal judicial positions.

The Commission will be led by Judge Leah Ward Sears, the former Chief Justice of Georgia's Supreme Court and the first African American female Supreme Court Chief Justice in the country's history.

"I'm honored this unparalleled group of legal and civil rights experts has stepped up to serve the country, and assist Senator Ossoff and me in making recommendations for critical appointments to the federal bench and key law enforcement posts," said Senator Warnock. "I'm grateful to Judge Sears for leading this important effort, and I'm confident this commission will provide thoughtful guidance that reflects Georgians' commitment to truth, integrity and justice."

"I am grateful to these commissioners and to Chairwoman Sears for their willingness to serve. I look forward to their guidance as Senator Reverend Warnock and I make recommendations to President Biden for appointments to vital federal judgeships and law enforcement offices,"Senator Ossoff said.

"The federal judicial system plays an extraordinary role in cases that impact our fundamental rights," Justice Sears said. "For far too long, this system has inadequately represented the great diversity of Georgia and America. I'm honored to lead Senators Ossoff and Warnock's Commission to bring new, different, and unique perspectives to the federal nominations process and ensure all voices across Georgia are fairly represented."

Warnock and Ossoff are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Georgians interested in applying for the upcoming Northern District Court Judge vacancies have until Wednesday, March 17, to apply, and those interested in U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal vacancies in all three Georgia judicial districts have until March 26.

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