Judge Neil Gorsuch, nominated to the high court by President Trump, personalized his introductory statement to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and the public, by acknowledging and thanking key figures in his life: his wife and two daughters, as well as his extended family members both present and away (at home or deceased). He included his long-time assistant and clerks in his opening statement. He also reminisced about his parents, grandparents and uncle. He expressed love and gratitude to everyone who has played a pivotal role in his life.

Highlights of Gorsuch’s opening statement

Judge Gorsuch’s introduction was humanized with references to his childhood heroes and mentors, including athletes and judges. Gorsuch displayed emotion when he spoke of his now-deceased uncle Jack, an Episcopal priest, who gave the benediction when Gorsuch took his oath 11 years ago – following confirmation to the 10th Circuit Court, Colorado.

While members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee evoked examples – and some politicized the opening – during the confirmation hearings, to either accept or reject Gorsuch to take a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, Gorsuch appeared composed, confident, at times, contemplative, and attentive to the remarks.

Noteworthy points about Gorsuch’s background

  • Gorsuch is 49-years-old, born August 29, 1967 in Denver, CO
  • Parents David Gorsuch, Esq., and attorney Anne Irene (McGill) Gorsuch Burford, first female administrator of the EPA
  • Attended Georgetown Preparatory School , Columbia University (1988), Harvard Law (1991), and Oxford University (legal philosophy 2004)
  • Married 20 (plus) years to wife (Marie) Louise and lives in Boulder, CO
  • Two daughters, Emma (born 1999) and Belinda (born 2001)
  • Clerked for Justice Anthony Kennedy 1993-1994
  • Private law practice with Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel 1995-2005
  • 10th Circuit Court Justice, Colorado, since 2006
  • Penned 212 opinions – that were published – while an appellate judge
  • Nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Donald Trump (on January 31, 2017) to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia (February 13, 2016)
  • Youngest Supreme Court nominee since Clarence Thomas
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