Natalie Hudson becomes first Black Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN Natalie Hudson is the first Black person to serve as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court thanks to Gov. Tim Walz's promotion of her on Wednesday.

After serving for 13 years as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Hudson was named an associate justice by the then-Gov. Mark Dayton in 2015. When incumbent Chief Justice Lorie Gildea steps down in October, she will take the helm of the supreme court.

One of the most seasoned judges in our state is Justice Hudson. She has a solid reputation for being a strong leader and consensus-builder, according to a statement from Walz. "She will advance a vision that encourages fairness and upholds the dignity of all Minnesotans," I am convinced.

Hudson stated in the same statement, "This is a tremendous responsibility that I approach with humility and resolve, seeking to continue the work of my predecessors in administering one of the best state court systems in the country, and always seeking to deliver the most readily available, highest-quality court services for the citizens of Minnesota.

Former general counsel Karl Procaccini was chosen by Waltz to succeed Hudson as an associate justice.

in the moment, Procaccini is a visiting lecturer in the law school of the University of St. Thomas. He formerly held the position of senior counsel for the governor, where he oversaw the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.