Gov. Tim Walz Names Theodora Gaïtas as Next Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice
Gaïtas will be the first public defender to lead the court as Walz also names Judge Reynaldo Aligada Jr. to fill the vacancy.
- Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that Justice Theodora Gaïtas will replace Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, while also appointing Judge Reynaldo Aligada as an associate justice to fill Gaïtas' vacant seat.
- State law mandates retirement at 70, forcing Chief Justice Hudson, the first person of color to lead the Supreme Court, to step down Sept. 30 before she turns 70 in January 2027.
- Justice Theodora brings extensive experience as the first public defender to serve as chief justice, selected over finalists Justice Anne McKeig and Justice Paul Thissen after a merit-based review process.
- "I am honored by this appointment," Justice Theodora said in the release, pledging commitment to a judiciary that "all Minnesotans can access, trust, and rely on" while thanking Chief Justice Hudson.
- Chief Justice Hudson announced her retirement in early April, making this likely Walz's final major court appointment before his term concludes in January 2027, with an event scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Justice Theodora Gaïtas appointed next Chief Justice of Minnesota Supreme Court
ST. PAUL (KVRR) — There are some big moves underway for the Minnesota Supreme Court. Gov. Tim Walz has appointed Justice Theodora Gaïtas to Serve as Chief Justice when Natalie Hudson retires in September. Gaitas previously served as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals and as a judge in the Fourth Judicial District. Three current members of the Supreme Court were interviewed for the chief justice vacancy. “Thank you Gov. Walz. Thanks for yo…
Walz names Theodora Gaitas as chief justice of Minnesota Supreme Court
Gov. Tim Walz appointed Theodora Gaitas as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday and named Reynaldo Aligada Jr. as the court’s newest associate justice. Gaitas, a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, is in her…
Gov. Walz announces MN Supreme Court appointments for chief justice & justice
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has appointed Justice Theodora Gaïtas as chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and Judge Reynaldo Aligada, Jr. to fill the vacancy of Chief Justice Natalie Hudson who announced she’s retiring in September. “Justice Gaïtas will be an exceptional chief justice, leading the Judicial Branch with wisdom, resolve, and fairness,” said Governor Walz. “She brings a rare breadth of experience, having served at …
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