Biden Nominates Montana District Court Judge After Recommendation from Tester and Failing to "Seriously Consult" Daines
By Denise Rivette
President Joe Biden has announced his nomination of Montana Attorney Danna Jackson to be a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana after receiving a recommendation from Tester.
U.S. Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement on the nomination:
“Danna Jackson has a proven track record of applying the law with fairness and integrity throughout her legal career, and I have no doubt that she’ll bring these high standards to the federal judiciary and District of Montana. As a born-and-raised Montanan, her extensive experience at every level of Montana’s legal system makes her well qualified to serve our state and I’m looking forward to getting her nomination across the finish line with bipartisan support in the Senate.”
Tester’s release included the following information:
After earning her J.D. and her B.A. from the University of Montana in 1996 and 1993, respectively, Jackson has developed a wide array of legal experience, beginning her legal career at Marra Firm in Great Falls, Montana and going on to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney from 2010 to 2016. From 2016 to 2021 she served as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, then from 2021 to 2023 she served as a Senior Counselor for the United States Department of Interior. She currently serves as a Tribal Attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Senator Steve Daines released the following statement in response:
“Federal judges in Montana are crushing our way of life because they legislate from the bench. Montanans want judges who will bring balance to our courts and uphold the Constitution. Unfortunately, President Biden failed to seriously consult with me prior to making this nomination. This is inexcusable and a missed opportunity. I look forward to reviewing Ms. Jackson’s background and record to evaluate if this nomination is the right fit for Montana.”