Progressive activist and actress Cynthia Nixon has been appointed to a four-year term on New York's Commission on Judicial Nomination, the panel responsible for reviewing candidates for the state Court of Appeals. Governor Kathy Hochul appoints nominees approved by this commission.
Nixon, known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in HBO's "Sex and the City" and an unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial bid, is a vocal democratic socialist. Her appointment, made by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers. State Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Anthony Palumbo expressed disappointment, telling The New York Post, "I’m disappointed, but not surprised that we have a radical progressive actress without a law degree selecting judges in the state of New York."
According to her New York State biography, Nixon has been acting professionally for nearly 50 years and her political activism focuses on issues including abortion access, public school funding, LGBTQ equality, and breast cancer awareness. Her 2018 gubernatorial campaign emphasized economic, racial, and gender equality.
While most commission members are practicing lawyers or government officials, a law degree is not a requirement for the position. The commission plays a significant role in state government, with its mandate requiring the governor to select judges for the Court of Appeals only from the commission's nominees. The commission aims to ensure that judges on New York's highest court reflect the diversity of the state's citizenry and are among the most qualified legal professionals and scholars.
Legal analyst Jonathan Turley commented on the appointment, suggesting it makes "a parody" of the New York legal system. Nixon's term on the commission expires on April 30, 2030.