May 19, 2023
Photo: Bradley Garcia, O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Bradley N. Garcia Makes History as the First Latino Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
This week the Senate confirmed Bradley N. Garcia to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, making him the first Latino to serve on the bench of this prestigious court. NHMC congratulates Mr. Garcia for this well-earned, historic achievement.
There has been a long history of underrepresentation across the federal bench, particularly for Latinos. Accounting for nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population, less than eight percent of federal judges are Latino. This means that a majority of the most influential decisions about U.S. policy and justice are made without Latino voices. Though Mr. Garcia’s confirmation does not solve the gap in representation, it is a crucial step in establishing equity and instilling our communities with trust in the U.S. justice system.
Mr. Garcia’s confirmation is especially impactful because he will now sit on the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, often considered second in importance and authority to the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the only court that hears cases regarding the balance of powers between branches of the government and decisions made by government agencies, empowering judges to influence U.S. policy on a broad range of subjects. In other words, many aspects of our lives from our health to our civil rights are influenced by the decisions of the judges on this court.
Mr. Garcia is well prepared to take on this responsibility. He has extensive experience in appellate cases and in subjects such as intellectual property, labor and employment, and immigration. NHMC is particularly heartened by his dedication to civil and human rights throughout his work and in his pro bono practice. We look forward to Mr. Garcia’s tenure on the D.C. Circuit and this monumental step towards representation of Latino communities at the highest level of the law.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
