Trenton, NJ — NJ Gov. Chris Christie Monday nominated Bruce Harris, an openly gay African-American Republican mayor, to the state's highest court.

Christie nominated Harris and Phil Kwon to replace former Justice John Wallace, who he declined to reappoint in 2010, and Justice Virginia Long, who faces mandatory retirement in February. 

In 2010, Christie was criticized when he declined to re-nominate Justice Wallace leaving no minority members on the state Supreme Court.

Harris is the mayor of Chatham, N.J. and would be the first openly gay justice to be seated on the court.

The nominations need confirmation from the Democratic-controlled state Senate. 

Login or Register or