This nomination has raised questions about its appropriateness, given the duo's twelve-year romantic history (Boston Globe).
On Wednesday, Governor Healey nominated Wolohojian, a state appellate judge and her former longtime romantic partner, to an open seat on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. This decision marks a significant moment in the governor's tenure, as she turns to a deeply experienced jurist with whom she shares a long personal history.
February 09, 2024
Wolohojian, a judicial appointee of former governor Deval Patrick, boasts an impressive 16-year tenure on the state Appeals Court. According to Healey administration officials, she has authored 900 decisions and presided over approximately 2,700 cases during her time on the bench.
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The legal community has largely praised Wolohojian's selection, describing her as a seasoned judge with a keen focus on making the state courts more accessible to the public. However, legal observers have also noted the unusual nature of her nomination, given the rarity of a governor nominating a former romantic partner for such a high-profile court post.
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Wolohojian's qualifications for the high court are not in question. She holds a law degree from Cornell, has served as a partner at a prestigious law firm, clerked for a judge on a US District Court, and has been an associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court since 2008. Her record is largely uncontroversial.
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However, the fact remains that Wolohojian and Healey were openly in a romantic relationship for twelve years. Typically, executive officials shy away from appointing their former lovers to high office due to the potential for negative political optics. The media in Massachusetts, however, seems to be celebrating this appointment due to its "historic" nature, given the rise of another LGBTQ person in the ranks.
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Critics argue that Healey should not be exempt from scrutiny simply because she is a woman who prefers the romantic company of other women. They contend that there were likely other justices with equal or superior qualifications who could have been considered for the seat. Yet, the focus appears to be on celebrating Healey's choice based on her LGBTQ status.
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This situation draws parallels to President Joe Biden's appointment of Joe Manchin's wife as the co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission shortly after taking office. Despite Biden never having been in a romantic relationship with Gayle Manchin, the appointment was considered somewhat scandalous.
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