Senator Susan Collins Confirmed Two Judicial Nominees
The senator voted to confirm judges for the U.S. District Courts of Texas and Ohio.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Law
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Senator Susan Collins has voted to confirm judicial nominees Kasdin Miller Mitchell and Matthew Byrne. These confirmations fill positions in the U.S. District Courts of the Northern District of Texas and the Southern District of Ohio.
Why it matters
The votes draw attention to Senator Collins, who is currently serving her fifth term. The appointments have faced scrutiny regarding the backgrounds of the nominees, including their previous professional associations.
The Senate confirmed Kasdin Miller Mitchell via a 49-45 vote, filling a seat in the Northern District of Texas. Two judicial judges were confirmed this week following votes cast by Senator Collins.
The players
Susan Collins
A United States Senator from Maine currently serving her fifth term in office.
Kasdin Miller Mitchell
A newly confirmed judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas who previously served as solicitor general of Alabama.
Matthew Byrne
A newly confirmed judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Troy Jackson
A Democratic candidate who has publicly criticized the recent voting record of Senator Susan Collins.
The details
Senator Susan Collins supported the confirmations of Matthew Byrne for the Southern District of Ohio and Kasdin Miller Mitchell for the Northern District of Texas. Mitchell, a former clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas and a former solicitor general of Alabama, faces criticism from Democratic candidate Troy Jackson, while Byrne's record includes board membership at an anti-abortion crisis pregnancy center.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: Senator Susan Collins voted to confirm Judge Matthew Byrne.
September 17, 2026: Senator Susan Collins voted to confirm Kasdin Miller Mitchell.
Political Context
The opposition party argues that these confirmations reflect an ideological shift in the judiciary that contradicts mainstream public opinion. Critics point to the nominees' professional history as evidence that the appointments diverge from a balanced legal approach.
These judicial confirmations determine the judges who oversee federal legal disputes in the Northern District of Texas and the Southern District of Ohio. Residents in these districts may encounter these judges in matters pertaining to federal law and local civil rights.
The takeaway
Voters often evaluate judicial confirmation votes as a key indicator of a senator's political and legal philosophy. These specific votes highlight the tension between party platforms and individual legislative action.
Further reading
Learn more about the federal appointment process in our Law section.
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