Today was the day that the Senate Judiciary Committee held its hearing on the nomination to the Supreme Court of Camden County Superior Court Judge Fausto Fernandez-Vina. The hearing featured extensive questioning of the nominee. The Judiciary Committee then voted unanimously, 13-0, in favor of his nomination, which will next move to the full Senate.
If confirmed, Judge Fernandez-Vina, a Republican, would take the seat previously held by Justice Hoens, another Republican. The Court’s partisan balance would not be affected. Two other seats on the Court remain occupied by Judges Rodriguez and Cuff, respectively, as temporary appointees. Governor Christie has nominated Robert Hanna and Monmouth County Superior Court Judge David Bauman for those seats. Neither nominee has yet had a hearing before the Judiciary Committee.