Federal courts are the last line of defense for our constitutional rights, and the judges who sit on them must be fair, independent, qualified, and reflect the communities they serve.

The US Circuit Courts of Appeals hear challenges to lower court decisions and have the last word on thousands of issues that impact our daily lives.

Below are the circuit court nominees NCJW has taken a position on:

Chad Meredith

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky

NCJW opposes Chad Meredith. Here’s why: Chad Meredith’s record raises serious concerns about his ability to serve as a fair and independent federal judge. He has zealously defended anti-abortion laws, including efforts to block clinic licensing and impose medically unnecessary restrictions, earning praise from Kentucky Right to Life. He also defended Kentucky’s Right to Work … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Jordan Pratt

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
District Court for the Middle District of Florida

NCJW opposes Judge Jordan Pratt. Here’s why: Judge Jordan Pratt’s record reflects a deeply ideological agenda that calls into question his ability to serve as a fair and independent federal judge. From striking down safeguards for young people seeking abortion access to advancing a narrow, Christian nationalist view of religious liberty, Judge Pratt has consistently … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Ed Artau

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
District Court for the Southern District of Florida

NCJW opposes Judge Ed Artau. Here’s why: Judge Ed Artau’s record raises serious ethical and judicial concerns that make him unfit for a lifetime seat on the federal bench. From past ethics violations involving improper political advocacy to his refusal to recuse himself in a politically charged case involving former President Trump — despite clear … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Judge Cristian Stevens

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Judge Cristian Stevens. Here’s why: Judge Cristian Stevens’ record and public statements raise serious concerns about his fitness for a lifetime seat on the federal bench. As a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals, he has consistently sided with corporate interests over workers, opposing disability discrimination claims and limiting accountability for workplace … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Zachary Bluestone

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Zachary Bluestone. Here’s why: With less than 10 years of legal experience, Zachary Bluestone falls below the threshold typically required for a “qualified” judicial nominee rating by the nonpartisan American Bar Association. His record in Missouri’s highly politicized Federalism Unit — where he took part in efforts to roll back protections for health … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Maria Lanahan

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Maria Lanahan. Here’s why: Maria Lanahan’s record raises serious concerns about her ability to serve fairly and independently as a federal judge. As Principal Deputy Solicitor General of Missouri, she has played a central role in advancing extreme legal positions that undermine fundamental rights. She helped lead the state’s effort to restrict access … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Joshua Divine

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and Western District of Missouri

NCJW opposes Joshua Divine. Here’s why: Joshua Divine lacks the experience, qualifications, and impartiality required for a lifetime seat on the federal bench. With fewer than 10 years of legal experience — falling short of the nonpartisan American Bar Association’s minimum for a qualified rating — Mr. Divine has used his role as Missouri Solicitor … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Emil Bove

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

NCJW opposes Emil Bove. Here’s why: NCJW believes lifetime judicial nominees must demonstrate fairness, independence, and a deep commitment to constitutional values — Emil Bove does not. His record as a loyal enforcer of President Trump’s agenda, including the mass firing of civil servants, targeting of political opponents, and efforts to undermine immigration protections raises … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Pending

Whitney Hermandorfer

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

NCJW opposes Whitney D. Hermandorfer. Here’s why: With less than the experience typically required for a qualified rating from the nonpartisan American Bar Association, Whitney Hermandorfer’s record reflects a troubling pattern of extreme legal advocacy and ideological bias. From defending Tennessee’s abortion ban and opposing key protections under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, to challenging … Continued

Fair? No
Independent? No
Qualified? No
Confirmed? Yes

Karla Campbell

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

NCJW supports Karla Campbell. Here’s why: Karla Campbell is highly qualified and would bring important professional diversity to the Sixth Circuit. She brings unique expertise and experience on labor issues and would be only the third labor lawyer to sit on a circuit court. Throughout her career, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador prior … Continued

Fair? Yes
Independent? Yes
Qualified? Yes
Confirmed? Pending

Because #CourtsMatter, NCJW believes all federal judges must be:

Fair

Do they respect equality and justice for all and understand the impact of the law on everyone?

Independent

Are they impartial, nonpartisan, and not influenced by outside parties or interests?

Qualified

Have they been objectively assessed for their experience, competence, principles, and temperament?