Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the elevation of Justice Natalie Hudson to Chief Justice of the state’s Supreme Court Wednesday. Hudson, who has served on the court since 2015, is the first Person of Color to assume this role.
Both Walz and Flanagan expressed their trust in Hudson and acknowledged the trust placed in her. Hudson also thanked her friends, family and fellow justices before vowing to uphold the state constitution.
Hudson has 13 years of experience on the state’s court of appeals prior to her appointment in 2015. She believes that the last 8 years have adequately prepared her for this new role.
With the elevation of Hudson to Chief Justice, a new spot has opened on the Supreme Court. Karl Procaccini, who formerly served on the Governor’s counsel and helped author several pandemic era executive orders, has been chosen to fill the opening.
In her statement, Hudson said, “I’m excited to get to work in maintaining the Judiciary’s high standards.”