Washington– New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today nominated Bruce A. Harris for a seat on the state’s Supreme Court. If confirmed, Harris would be the first LGBT person and third African American to sit on the Supreme Court. HRC President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement in response to the nomination:

“We congratulate Bruce Harris on his nomination to the highest court in New Jersey and applaud Governor Christie for choosing a highly qualified candidate. It sends a powerful message that LGBT people can and do contribute to our communities in a variety of capacities. Courts around the country are greatly lacking in LGBT diversity and with thousands of qualified LGBT attorneys in the U.S., we look forward to the day when our courts better reflect the composition of our country.”

Harris currently serves as mayor of Borough of Chatham, an office to which he was elected in November 2011 after serving for seven years as a member of the Borough Council. He also is of counsel at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, where he has been repeatedly recognized by national publications for his legal work. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.