ST.PAUL, Minn. – Beginning this summer he majority of the justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court will have been appointed by Governor Tim Walz. Already Walz has filled two vacancies with Gordon Moore III and Karl Procaccini. This coming spring and summer Walz will replace two more justices who just announced their retirements. That’s four Walz appointments either in place or pending on the seven-member high court. Also: Walz elevated Justice Natalie Hudson to chief justice last fall.
Supco appointments
The Minnesota constitution calls for Supreme Court vacancies to be filled by popular vote if they coincide with a general election. Not since 1990, however, has a vacancy occurred in time for election. Otherwise the incumbent governor fills the vacancy by appointment Appointees then stand for election on the next general ballot. Terms are six years.