Walz elevates Gaïtas to chief justice, taps Aligada
Gov. Tim Walz elevated Theodora Gaïtas to chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and tapped Ramsey County Judge Reynaldo Aligada to fill her associate seat, both appointments effective Oct. 1, 2026.[1]
Outgoing Chief Justice Natalie Hudson issued a statement calling Gaïtas an "outstanding choice" and praising her legal knowledge and work ethic.
Gaïtas has served on the Minnesota Supreme Court since Aug. 1, 2024 and is a 1994 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.
Aligada previously served as First Assistant Federal Defender in Minneapolis and worked at the law firm Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi before his current role on the Ramsey County bench.
Both appointments are set to take effect Oct. 1, 2026, beginning a planned leadership transition on the state's highest court.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Gov. Tim Walz appointed Theodora Gaïtas as Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice effective October 1, 2026.
- Ramsey County District Judge Reynaldo Aligada was appointed to the Supreme Court to fill Gaïtas’ associate justice seat starting the same date.
- Gaïtas has served on the Supreme Court since August 1, 2024 and is a 1994 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.
- Aligada previously served as First Assistant Federal Defender in Minneapolis and worked at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi.
- Outgoing Chief Justice Natalie Hudson issued a statement calling Gaïtas an “outstanding choice” and praising her legal knowledge and work ethic.
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