North Dakota judge’s nomination to Court of Appeals advances

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of North Dakota U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor to the Senate floor for final confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. 

The committee voted 11-10 to advance Traynor’s nomination, along with four other judges, during a hearing on Thursday.

Traynor’s nomination was announced in May. He will replace U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph Erickson, if he is approved by the Senate.

North Dakota judicial nominee questioned on political views during Senate hearing

In a joint statement, North Dakota U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer touted Traynor’s legal career and experience serving as a district judge in North Dakota.

“We need judges like him serving in our federal courts,” Hoeven said. “He has a record of impartiality and professionalism, while being committed to the rule of law.”

Cramer said he was grateful the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate.

“I’ve known Dan for more than 30 years and, without a doubt, his legal experience, character, and judicial temperament will make him an outstanding appellate judge,” Cramer said.

During his confirmation hearing for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Traynor was questioned on potential political bias after he signed a 2024 letter with other district judges condemning Columbia University’s response to student and faculty protests in support of Palestine.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas.