President Joe Biden announced five new federal judicial nominees – all from Pennsylvania – bringing his announced number to 112.

In a press release, the White House said that “these choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.”

If confirmed, this slate would include:

• The first Asian American judge to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• The first Asian American and second Latina judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Cindy K. Chung, who has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania since 2021, is a candidate for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

There are four candidates for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Kelley B. Hodge is a partner at Fox Rothschild in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she has worked since 2020.

John Frank Murphy is a partner at Baker & Hostetler in Philadelphia where he has worked since 2007.

Mia Perez has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since her election in 2016.

Kai Scott has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since her election in 2015.

“I am proud that these distinguished individuals have been nominated by the White House to serve the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.). “I know they will bring the leadership, independence and commitment to the rule of law necessary for these critical roles. I am confident that they will serve the people of the Eastern District well, and I look forward to their swift confirmation.” 

“President Biden has selected four strong, well-qualified candidates to serve as judges for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). “Attorneys John Murphy and Kelley Hodge and Judges Kai Scott and Mia Perez will all diligently serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I look forward to seeing their efforts to protect and uphold the rule of law.”

The Eastern District of Pennsylvania consists of the following counties: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia.