Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that President Obama has nominated Regina Rodriguez to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Rodriguez, if confirmed, would replace Judge Robert Blackburn, who took senior status earlier this month. The vacancy leaves the already overworked District court with six judges.

"Regina Rodriguez will bring her impressive background in both the public and private sectors to the federal bench," Bennet said. "I've had the opportunity to meet with her, and I'm confident she has the integrity and intellect to serve Colorado. Given the emergency nature this vacancy has created for the District of Colorado, the Senate Judiciary Committee must move quickly and thoroughly to consider her nomination so a vote can be held by the full Senate."

Regina Rodriguez is a partner at Hogan Lovells in Denver, where she handles cases involving complex litigation and government investigations. Prior to joining private practice, Ms. Rodriguez served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Civil Division in the District of Colorado. In 2013, the Hispanic National Bar Association named her the Latina Lawyer of the Year. In 2015, Law Week Colorado named her as a top litigator. Ms. Rodriguez received her B.S., with honors, from the University of Iowa. She earned her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.

The Senate has only confirmed 17 judicial nominations since the beginning of the 114th Congress, while 20 more await Senate action. There are currently 79 judicial vacancies around the country, including 28 that have been deemed judicial emergencies. The District of Colorado became a judicial emergency when Judge Blackburn took senior status.