Gov. Jack Markell (D) announced his nomination to lead Delaware’s Family Court system Wednesday, tapping current Family Court Judge Michael Newell.
If confirmed by the state Senate, Newell would replace outgoing Chief Judge Chandlee Kuhn.
Serving on Family Court since 2004, Newell has made a career out of practicing family law, working for more than 20 years at the Bayard firm in Wilmington.
Earlier in his career, he also served as an assistant to a Family Court judge and worked within the system for five years.
In a statement, Markell said, “His intelligence, integrity, and commitment to justice are second to none. If he is confirmed by the Senate, I believe he will continue to serve our state well as Chief Judge of the Family Court.”
When asked why the governor didn't nominate Kuhn to a second 12-year term, spokesperson Kelly Bauchman said in a statement, "The deliberations of the Governor, the Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Delaware State Bar Association’s Committee on Judicial Appointments are personnel matters on which this office does not typically comment."
A spokesperson for the courts says Kuhn plans to reapply for a regular judgeship within Family Court when her tenure expires June 4.
State senators must confirm Newell before he takes the bench.