Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has stirred controversy by nominating her former romantic partner, Gabrielle R. Wolohojian, for a seat on the state supreme court. If approved, Wolohojian, who currently serves as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court, will join the Supreme Judicial Court, filling a vacancy left by Justice David Lowy.
During a press conference addressing the matter, Governor Healey expressed her confidence in Wolohojian’s qualifications, stating, “There is no one more qualified or more well-prepared to join the SJC than Justice Wolohojian. I’m proud of that nomination, and I’m proud of nominating someone who is so deserving and so qualified. It is what the commonwealth deserves.”
Governor Healey, the first woman and first openly LGBTQ member to be elected governor of Massachusetts, defended her choice by highlighting her personal history with Wolohojian. She stated, “Of course, I had a personal relationship with Judge Wolohojian for many years, so I happen to also know something about her character and her integrity and the kind of person she is.”
Wolohojian’s nomination received the unanimous recommendation of the state’s Supreme Judicial Nominating Commission, a five-member board appointed by the governor. However, before officially assuming the position, she must go before the Governor’s Council, an eight-member board responsible for reviewing and approving judicial nominations.
One of the main criticisms of the nomination comes from Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, who argues that it is highly inappropriate for the governor to nominate someone with whom she had a long-term romantic relationship in the past. Carnevale believes that this nomination reflects a lack of accountability inherent in one-party rule.
Despite the controversy, Governor Healey emphasized that Wolohojian would not need to recuse herself from cases involving her administration, as Wolohojian already presides over matters involving state agencies and the executive office.
The nomination has sparked a debate about the ethics and transparency of the nomination process, with critics questioning whether personal relationships should play a role in judicial appointments.
Digital has reached out to the governor’s office for further comments on the matter. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]. Subscribe to receive the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
