Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to announce the appointment of Justice Natalie Hudson as Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Walz, who will make the formal announcement on Wednesday afternoon, is also appointing Karl Procaccini to serve as associate justice.
Wednesday's announcement comes ahead of Chief Justice Lorie Gildea's retirement in October.
“Justice Hudson is one of our state’s most experienced jurists. She has a strong reputation as a leader and consensus builder,” said Governor Walz in a press release. “I know that she will use her decades of judicial experience and deep understanding of our justice system to lead the Judicial Branch with a steady hand and strong conviction. I am confident that she will advance a vision that promotes fairness and upholds the dignity of all Minnesotans.”
Associate Justice Natalie E. HudsonMinnesota Judicial Branch
Hudson was appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court by former Governor Mark Dayton in 2015 and had previously served on the Minnesota Court of Appeals for thirteen years.
“I am greatly honored to be selected as the next chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and I thank Governor Walz and his team for their consideration,” wrote Hudson. “This is a tremendous responsibility that I approach with humility and resolve, seeking to continue the work of my predecessors in administering one of the best state court systems in the nation, and always seeking to deliver the most accessible, highest-quality court services for the citizens of Minnesota.”
Procaccini meanwhile formerly served as general counsel for the Walz-Flanagan administration.
"Procaccini was Governor Walz's attorney through all of the pandemic and a lot of the executive orders," said WCCO Radio political analyst Blois Olson the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar. "In fact, he probably had his hands in all of the executive orders during COVID, the pandemic, and some of the issues related to civil unrest."
Olson said that the timing of Procaccini appointment comes at an interesting time since he had just left the Walz administration in May to teach law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
"He left at the end of May and then Gildea announced her retirement on June 15th," Olson said. "I think there will be some questions about process and choosing Procaccini."
In his announcement, Walz praised Procaccin's work in recent years.
“With steadiness, humility, and an exceptional legal mind, Karl Procaccini navigated Minnesota through one of the most difficult periods in our history,” said Governor Walz. “Karl understands how legal decisions impact the lives of Minnesotans. There is no one more prepared for the rigors and challenges that come with this important position. I know that Karl will continue to improve the lives of Minnesotans in this important role.”
