In this month’s state supreme court vacancy update, Ballotpedia tracked announced retirements, nominations, appointments, confirmations, and swearing ins of justices from December 1 to December 21, 2023. Ballotpedia tracks court vacancies in all 52 state supreme courts.
Announced retirements:
No new retirements were announced.
Candidates nominated/appointed:
One candidate was nominated to fill a vacancy.
- Governor Maura Healey (D) nominated Elizabeth Dewar to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on December 8, 2023. Healey’s nomination is subject to confirmation from the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. Dewar is Healey’s first nomination to the court, which currently has seven justices appointed by former Governor Charlie Baker (R). She will have the opportunity to nominate a second candidate to the court, following Justice David A. Lowy’s retirement announcement last month.
Nominees confirmed:
One nominee was confirmed to fill a vacancy.
- On December 21, 2023, judge Melissa Beth Countway was confirmed to serve on the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Countway currently serves as a judge for the New Hampshire Third Circuit Court, a district court that covers Carroll County, New Hampshire. She was nominated for a lifetime position, and will be eligible to serve until 2041 when she turns 70.
Justices sworn in:
No new justices were sworn in. As of December 21, 2023, four justices-elect have yet to be sworn into their seats.
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