Senate confirms three judicial nominees, including an associate justice for the Supreme Court

The Senate on April 24 adopted standing committee reports and confirmed three judicial nominees to fill vacancies in the Commonwealth’s courts.

By voice vote and recorded roll calls, the Senate adopted Standing Committee Report 24-75 and confirmed Presiding Judge Roberto Kamacho Nara to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. The committee reported written and oral testimony in support of the nominee and no testimony in opposition; the motion carried with eight senators recorded as voting yes.

The Senate then adopted Standing Committee Report 24-76 and confirmed Associate Judge Joseph James Narita Kamacho to serve as presiding judge of the Commonwealth Superior Court. The committee reported multiple supporting written and oral testimonies; the confirmation carried with seven yes votes and two senators absent.

The Senate adopted Standing Committee Report 24-77 and confirmed attorney Joey Patrick (listed in the record as Joey Patrick Sicholas/ Sanolas) to serve as an associate judge of the Superior Court; that motion also carried with seven yes votes and two absent.

Following his confirmation to the Supreme Court, Roberto Kamacho Nara thanked the Senate and his family, saying he was "profoundly grateful and truly honored for the vote of confidence" and committing to uphold the court’s integrity and impartiality. Nominees Joseph Kamacho and Joey Patrick also offered brief remarks of gratitude during their confirmations.

The confirmations complete the nominees’ appointments as described in the standing committee reports and were followed by brief recesses. The Senate moved on to petitions and adjourned at 1:13 p.m.