Adrienne C Nelson Makes History as Oregon’s First Black Female Federal District Court Judge

Today, Adrienne C. Nelson, an associate justice on the Oregon Supreme Court, made history by becoming the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. District Court in Oregon! Put forward by President Joe Biden last summer, her nomination was approved as federal district court judge by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday. Bipartisan support for Nelson was received by both Democrats and Republicans in the 52 to 46 vote.

Nelson served as a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge for more than ten years before being appointed by the previous governor, Kate Brown, to the Oregon Supreme Court in 2018. She also served as a public defender for Multnomah Defenders Inc., one of Portland’s two nonprofit public defense organizations, and in private practice.

“I approach each case with an open mind and treat everyone fairly, impartially, because to the litigants their case is the most important case in the world,” Nelson told the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing last October. “I try to communicate all decisions clearly so that they can be understood. And if I’m so fortunate to be confirmed, I would continue to do that.”

OPB

Gov. Tina Kotek now has the chance to pick her first appointment to the state’s top court thanks to Nelson’s departure from the Oregon Supreme Court. Although judges and justices in Oregon are elected, their terms sometimes begin with gubernatorial appointments.

After President Donald Trump appointed more than 200 people to federal courts, including three justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, Democrats view this week’s confirmation of Biden’s 100th nominee as essential to balance the judiciary.

We are inspired by her accomplishments and thank her for paving the way for future generations of African American women to pursue their dreams. Her courageous leadership is an example for all of us to follow. Her presence on the bench is a reminder that everyone should have the opportunity to strive for greatness.