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Committee confirms Kyle Hixson for Tennessee Supreme Court seat
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to confirm Judge Kyle Hixson to fill the vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court; the committee also heard his explanation of a prior recusal challenge that was appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to confirm Judge Kyle Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court after a brief introduction and questioning. The committee moved and seconded the confirmation; the clerk recorded the voice/roll-call votes and the nomination moves to the committee calendar.
Hixson, introduced by Senator Massey, described his Tennessee roots and judicial experience and answered senators' questions about a 2020 recusal challenge that arose from his prior supervisory role in the district attorney's office. Hixson told the committee he voluntarily recused from cases where he had direct supervisory involvement and said the Tennessee Supreme Court ultimately upheld his rulings. "I stand behind the statements that I made in that campaign material," Hixson said, while adding in hindsight he would avoid certain phrasing that prompted litigation.
Senators pressed on judicial conduct and the limits on what nominees can comment on while under the code of judicial conduct. After discussion, the chair moved to confirm Hixson; the motion carried and the committee clerk recorded the outcome.
