Austin News

Today, in the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced Judge Leon Schydlower and Ernesto "Ernest" Gonzalez as judicial nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (WDTX) in El Paso and Del Rio, respectively. These nominations are crucial given the heavy dockets in El Paso and Del Rio due to their proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Speaking about Judge Leon Schydlower, Senator Cornyn highlighted his impressive resume and commitment to the rule of law. As a magistrate judge, Judge Schydlower has resolved complex discovery matters and earned the respect of the El Paso Bar for his work. Furthermore, he has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Judge Advocate General's Corps since 2010, demonstrating his dedication to serving his country. Senator Cornyn also mentioned Judge Schydlower's father, a retired Colonel in the United States Army, as a source of inspiration for his commitment to public service.

Turning to Ernest Gonzalez, Senator Cornyn praised his two decades of experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas. Managing one of the largest dockets of any federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice, Gonzalez has investigated and prosecuted some of the most dangerous cartel members globally. His expertise has made him one of the nation's most prolific cartel prosecutors, and he is known for his commitment to training young prosecutors and law enforcement personnel.

Senator Cornyn expressed confidence in both nominees' ability to handle the challenges that come with their positions. He noted that their temperament, knowledge of the law, and ability to handle large dockets will serve the Western District well.

These nominations come at a crucial time, as the Western District of Texas faces significant challenges due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. The nominees' experience and dedication to justice make them well-suited for the positions they have been nominated for.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will now consider the nominations of Judge Leon Schydlower and Ernest Gonzalez, and their confirmation will be eagerly awaited by those seeking justice and maintaining the rule of law in the Western District of Texas.