The U.S. Senate has confirmed Judge Karoline Mehalchick to serve on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Mehalchick will replace John E. Jones III, who retired from the position and currently serves as the president of Dickinson College in Carlisle. She was confirmed by a 50-49 vote.

“An experienced trial and appellate advocate, Judge Mehalchick has unwaveringly promoted the pursuit of justice for Pennsylvanians through her legal practice and pro bono work,” said Sen. Bob Casey Jr. “In her 10 years of service as a federal magistrate judge, including her service as the Chief Magistrate Judge for the Middle District since 2021, Judge Mehalchick has exemplified competence, skill, and a fierce commitment to equal justice under the law. I look forward to seeing her showcase the kind of professionalism, fairness, and integrity that she’ll deliver as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.”

“Congratulations to Judge Mehalchick on her confirmation to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said Sen. John Fetterman. “She is a dedicated public servant with more than a decade serving Pennsylvania, and I was proud to support her confirmation. I know Judge Mehalchick will give every Pennsylvanian in her court a fair hearing and do all she can to advance justice.”

Mehalchick was the Chief United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she has served since 2013. Previously, Judge Mehalchick was a partner at Oliver, Price & Rhodes from 2008 to 2013. She was an associate at the firm from 2002 to 2007. Judge Mehalchick served as a law clerk for Judge Trish Corbett on the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas from 2001 to 2002. She received her J.D. from Tulane Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 1998.