had twice attempted to contact the court to communicate this fact, which would have rendered the case moot. The Volokh Conspiracy described the opinion's rhetoric as "over-the-top"; the decision irrelevantly listed deceased former Klan members affiliated with the Democratic Party. In August 2020, Walker ruled that photographer Chelsey Nelson is not bound by the Louisville Fairness Ordinance and cannot be compelled to photograph same-sex weddings, which she opposes due to her Christian faith. D.C. Circuit On April 3, 2020, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Walker to serve as Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. On May 4, 2020, his nomination was sent to the Senate. President Trump nominated Walker to the seat being vacated by Judge Thomas B. Griffith, who retired on September 1, 2020. According to The New York Times, Walker's nomination was handpicked by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Walker has been described as McConnell's protégé. In early March 2020, McConnell flew to Kentucky to participate in an investiture ceremony for Walker. At the time of his nomination, Walker had no trial experience and had less than six months of experience as a judge. On May 5, 2020, the American Bar Association rated Walker as "Well-Qualified" to serve on the Circuit Court. The ABA sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee explaining their rating after deeming Walker "Not Qualified" when he was nominated for his district court judgeship. The letter said "the Standing Committee believes that Judge Walker possesses a keen intellect, and his writing ability is exemplary. Judge Walker also has significant appellate experience, having clerked for both the D.C. Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. Additionally, since our last rating, Judge Walker has served as a federal trial judge." On May 6, 2020, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee. On June 4, 2020, his nomination was reported out of committee by a 12–10 vote. On June 17, 2020, the Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 52–46 vote. On June 18, 2020, his nomination was confirmed by a 51–42 vote. He received his judicial commission on September 2, 2020. Personal life Walker is married to Anne Walker and has one child. See also List of law clerks of the Supreme Court of the United States (Seat 1) References External links |- 1982 births