FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2018 file photo, Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams addresses supporters during an election night watch party in Atlanta. After losing governorâs races in Georgia and Florida, Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum are joining other black leaders to oppose one of President Donald Trumpâs picks for a lifetime federal judgeship. Abrams and Gillum say the Senate must reject Thomas Farrâs nomination to a North Carolina district court. The Democrats say Farr is a threat to voting rights of nonwhites. Farr defended North Carolina laws that federal courts have found discriminatory against black voters. (AP Photo/John Amis)
The Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - After losing close governor's races in Georgia and Florida, Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum are joining other black leaders to oppose one of President Donald Trump's picks for a lifetime federal judgeship.
Abrams and Gillum say in a joint statement Tuesday that the Senate should reject Thomas Farr's nomination to a district court in North Carolina. The Democrats say Farr has a "discriminatory ideology" that threatens the voting rights of nonwhites.
As a Republican attorney, Farr defended North Carolina laws that federal courts have found discriminatory against black voters.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to confirm Farr in the current lame duck session. He would fill a seat left open after Republicans blocked two African-American women nominated by former President Barack Obama.
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018 file photo, Andrew Gillum the Democrat candidate for governor speaks at a news conference in Tallahassee, Fla. After losing governorâs races in Georgia and Florida, Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum are joining other black leaders to oppose one of President Donald Trumpâs picks for a lifetime federal judgeship. Abrams and Gillum say the Senate must reject Thomas Farrâs nomination to a North Carolina district court. The Democrats say Farr is a threat to voting rights of nonwhites. Farr defended North Carolina laws that federal courts have found discriminatory against black voters. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)
The Associated Press