Cynthia Nixon to Review and Recommend Judges for New York State Supreme Court
Actress Cynthia Nixon, known for her role as a lawyer in the HBO series Sex and the City, has been appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission by New York Chief Justice Rowan Wilson. Her position is unpaid and will extend through April 2030, during which she will screen and propose candidates for the Court of Appeals. The other members of the commission all hold valid law degrees.
The commission plays a crucial role: the New York Constitution mandates that the Governor can only select appellate court judges from the nominees put forward by this body.
Reactions to Nixon’s appointment have been mixed. Legal experts expressed shock and frustration, particularly given her background as an actress. Notably, Nixon previously ran for governor in 2018 and endorsed Zoran Mamdani in his recent mayoral campaign.
Anthony Palumbo, the ranking member of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, remarked that her appointment emphasizes the perception that the judiciary is becoming increasingly political. He expressed disappointment, stating, “I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that a radical progressive actress without a law degree is electing a New York judge.”
Former prosecutor Saritha Komatireddy, who is also in the race against Democratic state Attorney General Letitia James, voiced concerns that appointing a celebrity activist without legal credentials undermines the seriousness of the judiciary. “This sends completely the wrong message,” she said.
Komatireddy further noted that this trend reflects a growing prioritization of politics over public safety and rational judgment in New York. “At a critical time when New Yorkers are demanding safer streets and more trust in our institutions, our leaders should focus on restoring trust in our justice system and avoid turning judicial appointments into political gamesmanship,” she argued.
Nixon has previously taken strong stances on various issues, such as her advocacy for transgender surgeries for minors, which some consider to be outside the mainstream views of the Democratic Party.
