Trump nominates McGlynn for federal judgeship, Democratic lawmakers voice support
President Donald Trump has announced plans to nominate Circuit Court Judge Stephen McGlynn to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
The announcement came on Monday afternoon from the White House.
McGlynn, a Republican, has served on the 20th Judicial Circuit Court since 2013, when the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously selected him to replace Judge Michael Cook after Cook’s resignation from the bench. McGlynn was re-elected to the seat in 2014 for a term that expires Dec. 6, 2020.
McGlynn could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.
After the federal judgeship nomination, McGlynn must now be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. U.S. District judges are paid a salary of $210,900.
In response to the announcement, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, both Democrats, released a joint statement endorsing the pick.
“We are pleased that the President has nominated Judge Stephen McGlynn,” the statement said. “He has the qualifications, integrity and judgment to serve with distinction as a district court judge in the Southern District of Illinois. We appreciate the Administration’s willingness to work with us and with our nonpartisan screening committee to reach consensus on nominees who will serve the people of Illinois well. We look forward to guiding his nomination through the Senate.”
In 2017, Durbin and Duckworth established screening committees to assist in evaluating candidates for vacant federal judgeships, U.S. attorney positions and U.S. marshal positions in the state. The committees review and vet candidates for the vacancies and advise the senators regarding the candidates’ qualifications and fitness for the position.
McGlynn previously served as a justice on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Before that, he was in private practice at McGlynn & McGlynn, Attorneys at Law. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and his law degree from St. Louis University School of Law.
This story was originally published December 23, 2019 at 5:12 PM.
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