Biden, Republicans at Crossroad Over Red-State Judicial Nominees

The White House is reaching out to Senate Republicans about US district court vacancies in their states, although lawmakers vary widely in how well they think the discussions are going.

Finding common ground will be vital to the Biden administration since 38 of the 56 trial court vacancies without a pending nominee are in red states, or those with two Republican senators.

A lack of progress could ultimately increase pressure on Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). He’s so far opted to maintain full home-state senator support via the blue slip process for district court nominations to advance. Progressives want ...