Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noël Wise is in line for a big promotion to the federal judiciary, and as such, was lambasted by attention-seeking Republican senators Wednesday. But she’s still likely to be confirmed by the Democrat-controlled Senate.
It may be rather exciting in Bay Area legal circles that Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noël Wise has been nominated for a lifetime appointment to the prestigious US District Court for the Northern District of California. If confirmed, she would replace Edward J. Davila, who’s semi-retiring into part-time status, and is best known for overseeing the Elizabeth Holmes trial.
NOMINEE: Noël Wise to the Northern District of California
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) July 10, 2024
Judge Wise’s judicial experience – coupled with her experience in public service and private practice – have prepared her to serve honorably.
She will be a tremendous addition to the federal bench. pic.twitter.com/2dDs3LcmqM
Judge Wise’s eloquent opening statement from her Wednesday hearing is seen above, and would give a normal person confidence that she would be a fine federal judge. But of course, things got absolutely stupider from there, as Republican senators seized upon and grandstanded over Wise’s past writings to try to paint her as anti-Trump, and willing to let boys run wild in girls’ bathrooms.
With all of the work Biden’s judicial nominee Noel Wise did to push her political agenda while serving on the bench, she ought to get into politics, not get promoted. pic.twitter.com/ug9KKgJK9R
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 10, 2024
Senator Lindsey Graham kicked off the theatrics citing Wise’s 2020 article in the Atlantic entitled “America’s Judiciary Doesn’t Look Like America.” In it, she critiques that Trump’s federal judicial appointments were 85% white, 80% male, and 0% Black.
“I think you’re a zealous advocate who wants to be a judge and an advocate at the same time,” Graham fumed, according to the legal publication Daily Journal. “You ought to get into politics and not be promoted as a judge.”
Wise calmly responded, “I believe that diversity in all forms — gender, race, military service, etc. — that’s a bipartisan issue.” The Chronicle adds that she cited Ronald Reagan’s Supreme Court appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor as an inspiration.
Sen. Josh Hawley destroys Biden Judcial nominee Noel Wise.
— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) July 10, 2024
"I think the idea that laws based on the distinguish between male and female are a violation of churches and state is insane. I think the idea that laws would say women locker rooms are protected from Biological man that… pic.twitter.com/BPPxOMqCPj
More histrionics from Senator Josh Hawley, who ranted about her 2017 Time magazine article addressing legal issues for intersex-born children, “Gender Laws Are at Odds With Science.”
“Is a law that distinguishes between male and female a violation of church and state?” Hawley shouted, cutting her off every time she tried to answer. “Your position is insane, totally insane. I can’t believe you have been nominated.”
Despite the various grillings, Wise is likely to have her nomination approved. Democrats control the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the full Senate itself.
Image: @JudiciaryDems via Twitter
