Lackawanna County Judge Julia K. Munley Confirmed as Federal Judge
Oct. 17 — Lackawanna County Judge Julia K. Munley has been confirmed as a federal judge by the U.S. Senate. The confirmation comes after President Joe Biden nominated Munley to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in May.
Munley’s confirmation vote in the Senate was primarily along party lines, with a final tally of 52-45. She will be joining the same court that her late father, District Judge James M. Munley, once served on. District Judge Robert Mariani’s assumption of senior status in September created the vacancy that Munley will be filling.
Upon confirmation, Munley expressed her gratitude, stating that she is extremely honored and thanked President Biden, Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators, Bob Casey and , and former Sen. Pat Toomey for their confidence in her. She also acknowledged her experience as a county judge, which she deemed a true privilege and honor.
Both Senator Bob Casey and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman have endorsed Munley, praising her qualifications and experience in the legal field. Senator Casey expressed his confidence that Munley will serve with honor and distinction, while Fetterman described her as a highly qualified nominee.
Munley’s confirmation marks another recent example of judicial nominations being heavily contested in the Senate. While district court nominations have historically enjoyed broad support, the Senate vote for Munley was split, with only three Republicans voting in favor alongside the Democratic majority. Notably, Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin, Senator Laphonza Butler, and Senator Rand Paul did not vote.
Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond who closely monitors judicial nominations, expressed his concern over the divisive vote, commending Munley’s strong and forthcoming record. He noted that Munley’s qualifications warranted a more decisive outcome.
Governor Tom Wolf possesses the authority to nominate a replacement for Munley as a county judge, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. If confirmed, the replacement would serve until January 2026, with an election for a full 10-year term scheduled for November 2025. As of now, it remains unclear whether Governor Wolf intends to nominate a replacement.
Munley is the first of two local resident judges nominated by President Biden to the Middle District court. The confirmation for Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick, another resident of Clarks Summit, is still pending on the Senate calendar.
