Story perspectives

Trump Rushes Judicial Appointments Ahead of 2026 Midterms

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is fast-tracking judicial appointments before the November 2026 midterms.
Judges Josephine L. Staton (D.Ca.) and Thomas Rice (E.D.Wa.) will assume senior status in 2026, with another judge in May 2027.
Trump nominated two trial judges to appellate seats, opening district courts in North Dakota and Colorado, as the Senate’s 53-47 Republican margin may vanish in January 2027, leading GOP leaders to target Texas and other seats.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump is fast-tracking judicial appointments before the November 2026 midterms.
Judges Josephine L. Staton (D.Ca.) and Thomas Rice (E.D.Wa.) will assume senior status in 2026, with another judge in May 2027.
Trump nominated two trial judges to appellate seats, opening district courts in North Dakota and Colorado, as the Senate’s 53-47 Republican margin may vanish in January 2027, leading GOP leaders to target Texas and other seats.