Governor Lamont nominates Melanie Cradle to Connecticut Supreme Court; Glenn Pearson named to Appellate Court

Governor Lamont announced nominations to the Connecticut judiciary, naming Judge Melanie Cradle to the Connecticut Supreme Court and Judge Glenn Pearson to the Appellate Court while Justice Joan Alexander will move from the bench to serve as chief court administrator.

The governor said the changes will help ‘‘speed up the wheels of justice’’ and improve court operations and IT. He introduced Cradle as his Supreme Court nominee and described the personnel moves as part of an effort to ensure judges are placed where they can be most effective.

Cradle, who currently serves as chief judge of the Appellate Court, thanked the governor and his staff, singling out Natalie Brazwell for her support. In prepared remarks she reviewed her career in public service—from work as a state prosecutor beginning in 2000 to a Superior Court judgeship in 2013 and elevation to the Appellate Court in 2020—and said, "If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the legislature, I will work faithfully for the people of this state to earn the trust that has been placed in me." (Judge Melanie Cradle)

Speakers at the event described Cradle's nomination as both a qualification-based pick and a historic milestone: several speakers noted that Cradle would be the first African‑American woman to serve on the Connecticut Supreme Court. Justice Lubie Harper Jr. praised Cradle’s ‘‘judgment and balance’’ and urged confidence in her experience on the Appellate Court.

Governor Lamont also announced Judge Glenn Pearson as the nominee for the Appellate Court vacancy created by Cradle’s move. Supporters highlighted Pearson’s years on the bench and experience in complex litigation and criminal matters.

Those speaking at the event stressed how Connecticut selects judges: candidates are interviewed, nominated by the governor, reviewed by the legislature’s judiciary committee and then must be confirmed by both houses. State Representative Hilda Santiago said she expects to vote on the nomination when the legislature returns ‘‘in I think January or February’’ because lawmakers were not in session at the time of the announcement.

Other attendees, including Derell Wilson, vice chair of the Black and Puerto Rican caucus, called the nominations a ‘‘historic step into progress’’ and lauded the governor for putting forward nominees who reflect the state’s diversity. The event also included thanks for Justice Joan Alexander’s years on the Supreme Court and remarks about her new role overseeing court administration.

Next steps: both nominations proceed to the legislature for committee review and confirmation votes. No formal legislative action had occurred at the time of the announcement.