Governor Kathy Hochul’s nominee for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, Rowan Wilson, was voted through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday en route to a vote by Albany’s full upper chamber, after enduring a far lower-key hearing than the governor’s prior nominee, Hector LaSalle.
Wilson, who would be the first Black leader of the top court and state judicial system, was easily approved by the committee, with all present Democrats voting in favor, four Republicans giving a thumbs down, and one Republican, Andrew Lanza of Staten Island, opting not to make a recommendation. Wilson’s nomination will now go before the full Senate.
