Judicial Appointment. Hochul has nominated Hector LaSalle to be Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals. If confirmed by the state Senate he would be the first Hispanic jurist to hold the position. He would replace Cuomo appointee Janet DiFiore who resigned amid an investigation. Her court invalidated the Democratic drawn redistributing plan that led to flipping 4 congressional seats red in the recent election. Judge LaSalle was hailed by the Bar Association as possessing a keen intellect. His nomination was derided by progressive groups favoring defendants rights. He is a former District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney. Judicial Appointment. The Governor did the right thing and chose wisely !!