Actress Cynthia Nixon has been named to the Commission on Judicial Nomination by New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson. The panel recommends candidates for the state's highest court. Nixon has no legal background.
New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson appointed Nixon to the commission, which screens nominees for judges on the Court of Appeals. The governor must select from the commission's list under the state constitution.
Nixon ran for governor in 2018 and endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor last year. She has described herself as the mother of a proud trans man and has spoken at rallies about transgender issues.
Former prosecutor Saritha Komatireddy said the appointment sends the wrong message. She noted that New Yorkers want safer streets and stronger trust in institutions rather than political influence over judicial selections.
