New Trump-appointed federal judges brings southern Illinois bench back to full strength
The U.S. District Court in East St. Louis added two new judges to the federal bench.
Former Madison County Circuit Judge David W. Dugan and former Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court Judge Stephen F. McGlynn, were sworn into federal seats in the U.S. Court of the Southern District of Illinois last week and started their new jobs on Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft welcomed both judges, whose appointments to the lifetime seats by President Donald Trump were confirmed by the Senate each by a 55-41 vote on September 16. They replace district judges Michael J. Reagan and David R. Herndon, who both retired in 2019.
“They are joining a court with a long tradition of well respected, dedicated and fair-minded jurists, including their predecessors Judge Michael Reagan and Judge David Herndon,” Weinhoeft said in a prepared statement. “And, we have no doubt the court’s newest members will help carry that tradition forward for many more years to come.”
Chief Judge Nancy Rosenstengel also welcomed the new federal judges to the bench. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat, and Congressman John Shimkus, a Republican, supported the nominations of both judges.
“Both are well respected, experienced state court judges and we appreciate Senator Durbin working with Congressman Shimkus and other Congressional members to get them nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate,” Rosenstengel said. “We’re pleased to be back at full staff.”
McGlynn said he is honored by the appointment.
“This is where the people come to have their disputes heard — the district court This is the trial court level,” he said. “The people get their rights vindicated. People’s rights are protected from any overreach by the government . Equal justice for all.
“It is an honor.”
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the nomination process, leaving it to three judges to manage the federal caseload since the retirements of Herndon and Reagan.
Herndon, the former chief judge, likes the new confirmations.
“I’ve known both of these gentlemen for many years. I think they will make great federal judges,” he said. “For the court to be back to full staff, that’s excellent news. I am sure they need the help.”
This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
