Hector D. LaSalle, a presiding justice of the Supreme Court,
New York has been nominated to become the Chief judge of the New York state by Governor Kathy Hochul. Hector will become the first Latino man to
hold the position of New York’s chief judge.

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Governor Hochul stated, “He has the
skills, experience, and intellect to ensure that our highest court is seen as a
leader across the country.” She further added “Judge LaSalle has a
sterling reputation as a consensus-builder, and I know he can unite the court
in service of justice.”

On being chosen as the chief judge of
New York, LaSalle thanked Governor Hochul by saying, “I am humbled by Governor
Hochul’s nomination, and I thank her for this tremendous honor.” He also
said, “I am committed to leading the Court with integrity and fairness,
upholding justice, and protecting the rights of New Yorkers.”

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Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed LaSalle the presiding
justice of the court on May 25, 2021. Before that, he was appointed as the justice of the Second Department at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York in the
year 2014 by the Governor.

The confirmation process of LaSalle becoming the chief
Justice of the state is expected to begin in January 2023. It will take place
when the entire Legislature returns for the next legislative session to Albany.

LaSalle’s nomination by Governor Hector has raised many
questions because of him being a prosecutor earlier in his career. He is also
being criticized as he supported a decision of the court which was
seen as anti-union.

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“Deeply disappointed in the
Governor’s nomination of someone with a clear anti-union, fundamentally
conservative record on the bench to be Chief Judge of the New York State Court
of Appeals,” said Senator Julia Salazar who represents the New York’s 18th
state district. She is completely against LaSalle becoming the chief justice4
and said, “I’m a hard no on Justice LaSalle’s nomination.”