Walz appointments give the Minnesota Supreme Court its first female majority in decades

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz named two women to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Monday, which will give the state’s highest court its first female majority in three decades. When they take their seats in the coming months, all seven justices will have been appointed by Democratic governors.

Walz elevated Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Theodora Gaïtas to replace Associate Justice Margaret Chutich, and 7th District Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy to replace Associate Justice G. Barry Anderson. Both Chutich and Anderson announced their retirements in January.

Chief Justice Natalie Hudson welcomed both Hennesy and Gaïtas to the Supreme Court.

“Both are experienced, well-respected jurists who bring exceptional intellectual gifts and a deep commitment to serving the people of Minnesota,” Hudson said in a statement. “This is a great day for Minnesota.”