Long Island Native Nominated To Be First Latinx NY Chief Judge: Hochul

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Brentwood native was just nominated to become New York’s chief judge.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that she elected Judge Hector LaSalle, of Brentwood, "an exceptional jurist", to become chief judge of the state Court of Appeals.

He is currently the presiding Justice of New York Supreme Court's Second Department.

If the Senate confirms his nomination, LaSalle would become the first Latino chief judge.

The position of chief judge would make him the state’s top jurist and put him in charge of the entire court system.

He would succeed former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who abruptly resigned earlier this year in the middle of her term, Gothamist reported.

In addition, Governor Hochul announced her strong support for Judge LaSalle's intention to appoint the Honorable Edwina G. Richardson-Mendelson to serve as Chief Administrative Judge, if he is confirmed by the Senate.