Judge Darrin Gayles
The Senate confirmed three federal judges this morning — one is gay and one is lesbian. This marks the first time two out judges have been confirmed on the same day.
Judge Darrin Gayles, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, is the first openly gay African American man to be confirmed as a lifetime-appointed federal judge in our nation’s history.
Judge Staci Yandle, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is the first African American to serve on her court and the first openly gay lifetime-appointed federal judge in Illinois.
The third judge confirms is Salvador Mendoza, who will serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. He is the first Hispanic judge to serve on his court.
President Obama has now appointed more female judges than any other President, breaking the record previously set by President Clinton. He has also has now appointed more Hispanic judges than any other President, breaking the record previously held by President George W. Bush.
