Ron Johnson among 30 US Senators to skip vote on confirming federal judge in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — Despite 30 U.S. Senators not voting, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kate M. Menendez was confirmed to fill Minnesota’s federal court vacancy.

She was confirmed on a 49-21 vote, as 30 Senators didn’t stick around Washington for the confirmation — 23 of them Republicans, including Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson.

Johnson also missed votes on Friday as the Senate breaks until Jan. 3.

Both of Minnesota’s Senators, as well as Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, voted to confirm Menendez.

Among those who didn’t stick around to vote were Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, controversial Democrats Joe Manchin, Kristin Sinema, newcomer Jon Osoff, as well as Independent Bernie Sanders.

Here’s the list who didn’t vote:

Barrasso (R-WY)
Blackburn (R-TN)
Burr (R-NC)
Capito (R-WV)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Cramer (R-ND)
Daines (R-MT)
Ernst (R-IA)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Fischer (R-NE)
Graham (R-SC)
Hyde-Smith (R-MS)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Johnson (R-WI)
Kaine (D-VA)
Lummis (R-WY)
Manchin (D-WV)
McConnell (R-KY)
Moran (R-KS)
Murray (D-WA)
Ossoff (D-GA)
Paul (R-KY)
Portman (R-OH)
Risch (R-ID)
Romney (R-UT)
Rounds (R-SD)
Sanders (I-VT)
Shelby (R-AL)
Sinema (D-AZ)
Toomey (R-PA)

Menendez was nominated by President Joe Biden back in September.

She appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee in early November to take questions and talk about her five-year stint as a magistrate judge.

Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith said in a joint statement Saturday that Menendez was recommended by the judicial selection committee, comprised of prominent members of Minnesota’s legal community.

Menendez previously served as a federal public defender for more than 18 years. Her experience includes several adjunct law professor roles, including at the University of Minnesota, Hamline University and St. Thomas University.

“Judge Menendez has dedicated her career to making our state a more just place,” Klobuchar said.