ST PAUL, Minn. — For the first time in Minnesota history, a person of color is leading the state's highest court.
Natalie Hudson formally took the oath of office on Monday to become Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Gov. Tim Walz appointed Hudson in August to fill the vacancy left by Chief Justice Lorie Gildea's retirement in October.
"As your new chief justice, I will continue to work with our dedicated judges, court staff and justice partners to build on Chief Justice Gildea's legacy and ensure that the Minnesota Judicial Branch remains among the most accessible, innovative and respected court systems in the country," Chief Justice Hudson said after taking the oath. " I am humbled and honored to be standing here today for such a time as this, and I am fully cognizant of the sacred trust that has been given to me."
Chief Justice Hudson also acknowledged the historic nature of her position, as the first Black woman to serve as Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice.
"Today's ceremony is a testament to Minnesota's progress and to the enduring efforts to broaden diversity and representation within our justice system," she said. "Our justice system is better, indeed our communities are better when we allow and encourage the views of others to inform what we say and what we do."
Hudson has served as an associate justice since 2015 and a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She also previously worked in the Minnesota Attorney General's Office and as St. Paul city attorney.
In addition to a new chief justice, there is also a new Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, as Karl Procaccini also took the oath of office Monday. Procaccini fills the vacancy left by Justice Hudson's elevation to the court's top job.
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