Senate confirms Williams to federal bench

The U.S. Senate today confirmed Karen M. Williams to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for New Jersey.

Williams, a U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2009, is now the fourth of six federal judicial vacancies to be filled since President Joe Biden took office in January.

“Judge Williams has had a long and distinguished legal career defending the rights of workers and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the people of New Jersey,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “I know that she will bring fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to applying justice equally to the federal bench.

Booker and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez said that Williams will be the first Black federal judge to sit in the federal courthouse in Camden.

Menendez called Williams “a thoughtful and intelligent legal mind.”

“I am confident that she will not only administer equal justice under the law, but serve the people of New Jersey with distinction,” he said.

The Senate confirmed Julien X. Neals and Zahid Quraishi in June, and Christine O’Hearn earlier this month.

Williams’ confirmation was by a vote of 56-38.  Eight Republican senators voted in favor of her confirmation.