Judge Ana de Alba, a notable Latina in the judiciary, has been confirmed for a seat in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the nation’s largest appellate court. She barely crosses the line with a 48-43 confirmation on Monday. This occurs slightly over a year after de Alba made history as the first Hispanic female trial judge in her California district. More about this can be read here.
De Alba, the daughter of farm workers who immigrated from Mexico, brings an element of diversity into the court’s structure. This move has, however, been criticized by Republicans arguing that the Biden nominee may be too liberal. She takes up the mantle from Paul Watford, an Obama appointee who vacated his post after 11 years to return to private practice. Watford is currently associated with the litigation department of Wilson Sonsini.
The strong backing de Alba received from her judicial colleagues played a significant role in her favor. Three judges she served with described her as “exceptionally well suited for appellate work”. This nod of approval highlights her aptitude to be part of the Ninth Circuit, a court with immense instrumental power in shaping the country’s Judiciary outlook.