Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras is on Donald Trump's short list of 11 judges he would vet to fill the seat of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia if he is elected president.
Trump issued the list Wednesday, saying it represents "the kind of constitutional principles I value" and that he would, if elected president, use it "as a guide to nominate our next United States Supreme Court Justices."
The release of the list is seen as a way to win over conservatives and other Republicans concerned that Trump would not appoint a conservative to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Stras, 42, has served on the Minnesota Supreme Court since 2010, when he was appointed by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican. Stras was a law school professor at the University of Minnesota, beginning in 2004 where he earned a reputation for his legal scholarship.
The list consisted of six federal appeals court judges and five state Supreme Court justices, including Stras. All were appointed by Republicans and all are white. Eight are men.
Stras through a court spokesman declined to comment. The spokesman added that Stras had been unaware of the announcement until reported by media.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
