'We Are So Proud' Local Leaders On President Biden Tapping Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, Who Grew Up In Miami-Dade, As His Nominee To Supreme Court
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - President Joe Biden has selected court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who has roots in South Florida, as his nominee to the Supreme Court.
If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman on the Supreme Court and fill the seat that will be vacated by Justice Stephen Breyer when he retires at the end of the term.
Jackson, 51, who was born in Washington D.C., was a star student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in Pinecrest. She was on the debate team, student body president, and a Silver Knight Award nominee.
"It is with great hometown pride that I support Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States. Her unparalleled experience and inspiring personal narrative will make her a uniquely qualified nominee to serve on the highest court in our nation and to deliver fair and impartial rulings on our county's most challenging issues," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement. "We are so proud that Judge Brown Jackson's roots run deep here in Miami-Dade. A product of our Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Judge Brown Jackson has long been recognized by her peers, her mentors, and the legal community as a jurist of the utmost integrity."
"Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on this historic, well-deserved nomination. A former public defender, Obama-era criminal justice policymaker, and expert on sentencing, Judge Jackson has rich experience both in law and life. She is a Justice of the people, by the people, for the people — and I look forward to her confirmation," said state Sen. Lauren Book.
"For many years, I have had the privilege of witnessing Ketanji Brown Jackson's greatness as a judge. Now, the entire nation will see for itself. Congratulations, Ketanji, on your historic nomination to the United States Supreme Court," state Rep. Frederica Wilson posted on Twitter.
Last week, state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried sent a letter to President Biden advocating for Brown Jackson to be nominated for the seat. She's thrilled with his selection.
"There is no better choice to be the United States' next Supreme Court Justice than Ketanji Brown Jackson, a fellow graduate of my alma mater Miami Palmetto Senior High. Her appointment is historic and she will bring a wealth of experience to our highest court and the federal judicial system. Ms. Brown Jackson will bring a much-needed perspective to the Court as a Black woman, a former public defender, and a public school graduate. I'm proud to support her nomination," said Fried in a statement.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton posted on Twitter, "This is exciting. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's credentials are impeccable, and by all accounts she has the character & experience to serve honorably as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Looking forward to her hearing and to seeing her confirmed.
But not everyone was on board with President Biden's nomination. Senator Marco Rubio issued a statement saying he would reserve judgment
"President Biden wrongly believes the Supreme Court should act as a legislative branch, actively overriding the will of the people and the Congress," Rubio said. "My decision will be based on whether Judge Jackson has a demonstrated commitment to original intent, judicial restraint, and the understanding that the Supreme Court is a 'trier of law' appellate court and not a 'trier of fact' trial court. I will not support any nominee that believes it is appropriate for judges to craft new policies and create rights instead of interpreting and defending the Constitution as written."
