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Chamberlin, Maxwell appear before U.S....

Chamberlin, Maxwell appear before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee

By: Frank Corder - September 4, 2025

Robert Chamberlin (left) and James Maxwell (right) (From Senate hearing livestream)

  • The two sitting Mississippi Supreme Court Justices are being considered for confirmation to the U.S District Court having been nominated by President Trump.

Last month, President Donald Trump (R) nominated two sitting Mississippi Supreme Court Justices to serve on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.

READ MORE: Trump nominates two Mississippi Supreme Court justices to federal court

On Wednesday, they sat for a nomination hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Justices Robert Chamberlin and James Maxwell appeared before the Senate committee, having been introduced by Mississippi’s two U.S. Senators, Roger Wicker (R) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R).

In a joint statement, Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith said they wholeheartedly support Justices Maxwell and Chamberlin’s nominations to the U.S. District Court. 

“President Trump chose these men for their qualifications and experience, which will serve them well on the federal bench,” the Senators said. “Jimmy and Bobby have dedicated their lives to upholding the Constitution, defending the rule of law, and serving their Mississippi communities with distinction.”

Wicker and Hyde-Smith said the two state justices are ready to assume the federal roles, “and we look forward to their speedy confirmation both in committee and by the Senate.”

Justice Chamberlin was first elected in a runoff election in November 2016 to an open seat on the state Supreme Court.

Justice Maxwell was appointed by former Governor Phil Bryant to the state Supreme Court in January 2016. He went on to win an eight-year term in November 2016 and was then re-elected in 2024.

You can watch the full U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing here.

The remarks from Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith can be seen below.

About the Author(s)
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Frank Corder

For nearly two decades, Frank Corder has reported and offered analysis on government, public policy, elections, business and matters of faith. He is the Editor for Magnolia Tribune where he oversees the day-to-day content development. Frank’s interviews, articles, and columns have been syndicated throughout Mississippi as well as in various national publications. His resume includes appearances on the BBC, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News, among others. Frank is a frequent analyst on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State and beyond. During his career, Frank has interviewed government officials and candidates from City Halls to the White House, including Presidential candidates, White House officials, U.S. Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Secretaries, and Governors. He previously hosted his own local radio and television programs and has managed private businesses in the financial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Frank has served his community as an elected City Councilman and as an Assistant/Acting City Manager. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he led the effort to plan Pascagoula's recovery and rebuilding which earned him recognition as Mississippi's Volunteer of the Year. Frank also led Pascagoula's municipal government out of a $14.5 million deficit, which the Mississippi State Auditor heralded as a model for other communities facing dire financial straits. As the president of the Pascagoula High School Quarterback Club, Frank has self-published "The Book of Pascagoula Football." He has been married for over 25 years and has two children, both of whom work in public education. Email Frank: frank@magnoliatribune.com