Minnesota Appoints Natalie Hudson as First Black Chief Justice of State Supreme Court

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has appointed Natalie Hudson as the first Black chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, making her the first person of color to lead the court. Hudson, who has been an associate justice since 2015, will assume the role when current Chief Justice Lorie Gildea retires in October. The appointment is seen as historic and significant, as it brings more diversity to positions of authority in a state known for the murder of George Floyd. Hudson's promotion is not expected to affect the ideological balance of the nonpartisan court, which is mostly appointed by Democratic governors.