Historic Appointment: Bill Lewis Becomes Alabama Supreme Court's First Black Republican Judge

MONTGOMERY — On Tuesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey appointed Judge Bill Lewis of the state appellate court to the Alabama Supreme Court, marking him as the first Black Republican to hold this position. Lewis takes over from Justice Jay Mitchell, who resigned on Monday. Previously, Lewis presided over the 19th Judicial Circuit in Elmore County, bringing extensive legal experience to the role. "Judge Bill Lewis exemplifies justice and fairness, consistently willing to serve Alabama's citizens," Ivey remarked. He becomes the fourth Black justice in the court's history, a notable change as the previous three were Democrats. With Alabama's statewide elections historically leading to all-white courts, Lewis’s appointment signifies a crucial step towards greater diversity. Ivey will now select a successor for Lewis at the Court of Civil Appeals.Mitchell’s resignation indicates his intent to become more politically active.