On 7 June, the democratic official announced the 11 new appointments and four reappointments of the New York State Court of Claims. 

One of the new individuals to join the aforementioned court is Seth Marnin, who is currently serving as the Director of Training & Education, Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action at Columbia University. 

Marnin’s appointment makes him the country’s first openly male trans judge and the first trans judge in the state of New York. 

“I have full faith that this historic and outstanding group of appointees will serve New Yorkers with fairness and impartiality,” Hochul said in a press release.

“With diverse perspectives and extensive expertise, I’m confident that each appointee will bring honor and integrity to New York State’s judiciary.” 

Shortly after the news made headlines, Marnin opened up to Gay City News about making LGBTQ+ and American history. 

“I am honored by the Governor’s appointment and look forward to the Senate hearing tomorrow,” he told the publication on 7 June. 

“It was not so long ago that a trans person becoming a judge was unimaginable. I hope my nomination and service inspires young trans people and that I can serve as a role model.” 

Before getting appointed as a judge for the New York State Court of Claims, Marnin cultivated an extensive resume within the legal field. 

According a press release, the New York City Bar Association member was the founder and principal of Workplace Strategies, which helped guide and advise non-profit organisations on legal issues. He also was the Vice President of Civil Rights at the Anti-Defamation League. 

Marnin is now the third openly trans person to be appointed as a judge in the US.

Back in 2010, Kolakowski became the first openly trans trial judge after she won the race for the California-based Alameda County Superior Court by a 51 to 48 vote.

12 years after, Andi Mudryk made history when she became the first openly trans judge to be appointed to California’s Sacramento County Superior Court.

Congratulations are in order for Judge Seth Marnin.