Wright Confirmed as New Federal Judge in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has confirmed Wilhelmina Wright as Minnesota's newest federal judge.

Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken announced Wright's confirmation Tuesday. President Barack Obama nominated Wright for a U.S. District Court opening in Minnesota last April.

Klobuchar and Franken formed a bipartisan advisory committee to help them recommend a candidate. The Minnesota Democrats note that the Senate confirmed only 10 federal district court judges in 2015.

Wright has been on the Minnesota Supreme Court since Gov. Mark Dayton appointed her in 2012. Before that she was on the state Court of Appeals and was a federal prosecutor.

In a statement, Klobuchar calls Wright "a dedicated public servant" with experience in the state and federal legal system.

Franken says Wright has demonstrated "an unwavering commitment" to applying the law fairly.