Hudson, Procaccini mark new roles on the Minnesota Supreme Court with ceremonial oaths

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson and the court's newest justice, Karl Procaccini, took their ceremonial oaths of office Monday before more than 400 people, including local and state politicians, judges and community members, at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.

Hudson, 66, is the first person of color and the third woman to lead the the state's highest court and head the state judiciary. Procaccini, 40, who converted to Islam when he married, is the first Muslim on the state's high court.

Monday's investiture ceremony is a traditional ritual for new members of the court; Hudson and Procaccini were officially sworn into office in October, when Chief Justice Lori Gildea stepped down. Both will be required to stand for statewide election in 2024.

Gov. Mark Dayton named Hudson to the high court in 2015 to succeed Justice Alan Page, the state's first Black justice.

Procaccini was the general counsel for the governor's office before leaving that position in June to teach at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.