On a party-line vote of 12-10, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary passed the nomination of Mississippi’s Cory Wilson for a seat on the United States Fifth Circuit out of committee.
The nomination will now be considered by the full Senate where confirmation appears likely as Republicans maintain the majority.
Both Mississippi Senators were on hand for the hearing and offered the following statements:
“Judge Wilson’s credentials, intellect, and respect for the rule of law are well-established,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “I appreciate my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and Chairman Graham for their approval of this well-qualified nominee. Given his professional and academic achievements and his strong reputation in Mississippi as a fair and impartial judge and a good and decent man, I am confident that Judge Wilson will serve the Fifth Circuit and our nation well as a circuit judge. I hope the Senate confirms his nomination without delay.”
“Judge Wilson’s progress through the confirmation process is no surprise. He has shown the Judiciary Committee that he has the qualities we want from a circuit court judge—an intelligent public servant with knowledge of and respect for the rule of law. I look forward to casting my vote to confirm Judge Wilson, and hope to get that chance sooner rather than later,” Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said.
Wilson, 49, is a native of Moss Point, Mississippi. He graduated from Moss Point High School in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, summa cum laude, in economics from the University of Mississippi School of Business in 1992. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School in 1995.
Prior to his appointment to the Mississippi Court of Appeals by former Governor Phil Bryant, Wilson served in the Mississippi House of Representatives and held senior positions within the offices of the Mississippi State Treasurer and Mississippi Secretary of State.
Frank Corder
