April 18, 2023
From Governor Kathy Hochul: “Judge Rowan Wilson is a highly qualified jurist with a keen sense of fairness and a deep commitment to justice. Throughout his tenure on the bench, he has proven himself to be a thoughtful leader who recognizes the power of the judiciary to impact the lives of all New Yorkers. Before joining the Court, Judge Wilson had a distinguished career as a commercial litigator and became the first Black partner at the prestigious firm Cravath, Swaine and Moore. I am confident that he will use this experience and his fair-minded approach that has guided his time on the Court of Appeals while serving as Chief Judge.
“I proudly nominated Judge Wilson to serve as Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, and I am pleased by his confirmation by the Senate. His confirmation also marks a significant milestone: the first Black Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.
“I congratulate Judge Wilson on his confirmation and look forward to working closely with him to elevate the esteem of our State’s highest court, protect New Yorkers’ rights and safety, and ensure that justice is administered.”
From State Senator George Borrello (R, Jamestown) :“With the Senate Majority’s confirmation of Justice Rowan Wilson for Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, they have won their months-long campaign to transform the state’s highest court with their brand of progressivism.
They rejected Judge Hector LaSalle, a brilliant and independent jurist with the administrative experience the role demands, in favor of an activist judge. Judge Wilson will be more likely to legislate from the bench and willing to ‘interpret’ the law and State Constitution however necessary to advance a liberal agenda.
With the state budget now 18 days late, chiefly because of the Legislature’s resistance to amending disastrous criminal justice reforms that have made our streets more dangerous and victims more numerous, today’s judicial confirmation makes it clear that they are as committed as ever to their radical agenda. Everyday New Yorkers’ concerns over public safety and the direction of our state have been ignored, yet again.
