Maura Healey Surpasses 100 Judicial Nominations in Massachusetts

One of the prized powers of an elected state and federal executive office holder is the ability to appoint judges. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has appointed dozens of judges since her inauguration on January 5, 2023. That means Healey will influence public policy in Massachusetts for years to come.

Healey Surpasses 100 Judicial Nominations

On March 4, 2026, Healey nominated Mary Ferriter to serve as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court, and Mary Gallant-Cote to serve as an Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court.

"With these nominations, the Governor has now nominated over 100 judges," according to a statement from Healey's office.

"I am deeply grateful to have nominated over 100 outstanding judges over the last few years who work to uphold the rule of law, protect our state, and safeguard the rights of all our residents," Healey said.

How Many Judges Healey Has Appointed

State House News Service reported Healey has now made 21 appointments to the Probate and Family Court bench and 13 to the Juvenile Court, but that's not all.

"Healey has also nominated scores of judges for the District Court and has placed Judges Elizabeth Dewar and Gabrielle Wolohojian on the Supreme Judicial Court," reported SHNS.

The Role of the Governor’s Council

The Governor's Council considers all judicial nominations.

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Who Appointed the Current Supreme Judicial Court

It might surprise you to learn that only two of the seven Justices on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Justice Dewar and Justice Wolohojian, were nominated by a Democrat governor, Maura Healey.

The other five – Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd (appointed in 2020), Associate Justice Frank M. Gaziano (2016), Associate Justice Scott L. Kafker (2017), Associate Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt (2020), and Associate Justice Serge Georges Jr. (2020) – were appointed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.