Senators introduce four Missouri nominees for federal district judgeships; committee hears background, litigation records

Four nominees from Missouri'Zach Bluestone, Josh (Joshua) Devine, Maria Lanahan and Chris (Christian) Stevens'appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the panel covering district-court nominations.

Senator Josh Hawley introduced the four, praising their public-service records and saying they were President Trump's first judicial picks from Missouri in his second term. Hawley characterized each as ''outstanding Missourians,'' summarizing their resum's: Devine as Missouri's solicitor general with a record of appellate wins; Lanahan and Bluestone with extensive appellate and federal experience; and Stevens as a former federal prosecutor and current Missouri Court of Appeals judge.

Each nominee gave brief opening remarks. Zach Bluestone described his work as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Missouri, saying he prosecutes violent crimes (carjackings, armed robberies, gun offenses) and oversees appellate work for his office. He said his service as an assistant U.S. attorney has been "probably the most fulfilling job" he's held.

Josh Devine, Missouri's solicitor general, cited a broad litigation portfolio, including what he described as major judgments and complex litigation handled or supervised in the attorney general's office. He told the committee he had recovered or defended large sums on behalf of the state and spoke of a serious personal injury and recovery from an accident that affected him physically.

Maria Lanahan highlighted her work as principal deputy solicitor general in Missouri, prior clerkships on the Eighth Circuit, private practice, and roles in state litigation spanning employment, administrative and appellate matters. She emphasized procedural rigor and a commitment to deciding appeals based on law rather than personal views.

Chris Stevens reviewed his career as a 15-year assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Missouri, subsequent private practice and service as a state appellate judge. He described his career as dedicated to public safety and the rule of law.

Senators asked nominees a range of questions during the panel that followed introductions, including about courtroom experience, appellate workload, and how their prior roles inform a judge's duties. No committee votes or formal actions were recorded in this portion of the hearing.

The hearing record shows senators from both parties introduced and supported the nominees while also probing experience levels and judicial philosophy. Committee members entered letters and endorsements for the record during the session.