President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Judge Lee Rudofsky to the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals following opposition from Arkansas Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton. Instead, Trump will nominate Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland. Rudofsky acknowledged that without support from the senators, his confirmation was not feasible. This decision highlights the influence of home-state senators in judicial nominations.
Key facts
- Trump withdrew Rudofsky's nomination on November 10, 2026.
- Senators Boozman and Cotton opposed Rudofsky's elevation.
- Cody Hiland is nominated to replace Rudofsky.
- Rudofsky was appointed to the Eastern District of Arkansas in 2019.
- Hiland's confirmation would give Trump appointees a majority on the appeals court.
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