Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has reshaped the state's Supreme Court by appointing Cody Hiland, former federal prosecutor and state Republican Party chairman, to fill a vacancy. Hiland's appointment, effective immediately, grants the court a conservative majority for the first time in its history, a shift with significant implications for the state's legal landscape.
Hiland will occupy the seat left vacant by the late Justice Robin Wynne until 2025, when a special election will be held. As an appointee, Hiland is ineligible to run for the seat in that election. This appointment marks a notable turn for the court, which has seen increasingly contentious and costly elections in recent years as conservative groups have aimed to gain control.
Governor Sanders emphasized the historical nature of this appointment, drawing parallels to the national impact of conservative judicial majorities. She expressed confidence that Hiland will interpret state law as written, leaving legislative matters to the legislature. Hiland himself expressed humility and a commitment to serving with honor.
The appointment comes as the court is set to hear a challenge to Sanders' education overhaul. A lower court judge had temporarily blocked the law's implementation, citing procedural issues. The Supreme Court recently overturned a similar temporary order, with Wynne among the dissenting justices. Hiland's addition to the court could influence the outcome of this appeal.
The move has drawn criticism from Democrats who argue that appointing the current state GOP chairman compromises the nonpartisan nature of the court. They express concern that this appointment fuels perceptions of partisan bias in the judicial system. In response to these criticisms, Hiland resigned from his party chairmanship prior to the appointment, and Sanders endorsed Joseph Wood, Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, as his successor.
This appointment also coincides with an upcoming race for Chief Justice, with several current justices vying for the position. Hiland's presence on the court adds another layer of complexity to the dynamics of the Arkansas judicial system.
