PictureJudge William L. Thomas, who has served on Miami-Dade Circuit Court since 2005, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to a federal judgeship in South Florida.  

Judge Thomas may become the first openly gay black male to preside at the federal level.

If confirmed, Thomas would become the just the second open gay black federal judge. Judge Deborah Batts became the first open black gay federal judge after she was nominated for the Southern District of New York by President Bill Clinton.

Obama said Thomas and six others nominated “represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves.”

“These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system,” Obama said in a statement, adding, “I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident that they will apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity… I hope the Senate will promptly consider all of my nominees and ensure justice for everyday Americans.”

Heres to hope; however the wait may be a long one thanks to a slow a– lame duck Congress.  Only three out of the eight judges nominated to the federal level by President Obama have been confirmed.

Either way we wish Judge William L. Thomas the best!