Senate Confirms Native Woman as Federal Judge in Oklahoma Despite Governor's Objections
The US Senate has confirmed Sara Hill as the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge in Oklahoma, despite opposition from Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. Hill's nomination to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma was supported by Oklahoma's two Republican senators and moved rapidly through the chamber. Hill's advocacy for a Supreme Court ruling recognizing parts of Oklahoma as Native American reservation land and her criticism of subsequent rulings were cited by Governor Stitt as reasons for his opposition. The confirmation comes as the court faces a significant increase in criminal cases and a shortage of judges.