Governor McKee Nominates Three for Rhode Island Judicial Posts
Governor Dan McKee has submitted three judicial nominations to the Rhode Island Senate, naming Debra Saunders for Chief Judge of the District Court, and Denise Cassisi Finkelman and Carly B. Iafrate for Associate Justices on the Superior Court.
Providence New Bedford, RI, November 6, 2026 — Governor Dan McKee has put forward three nominations for judicial positions within the state of Rhode Island, submitting the names to the Rhode Island Senate for consideration. The nominations include appointments to key roles within the District Court and the Superior Court.
Debra Saunders has been nominated for the position of Chief Judge of the District Court. The District Court handles a wide range of civil and criminal matters across the state.
Additionally, Denise Cassisi Finkelman and Carly B. Iafrate have both been nominated for the role of Associate Justice on the Superior Court. The Superior Court is the state’s general jurisdiction trial court, hearing felony criminal cases and civil disputes, including major contract disputes, probate matters, and family court cases.
The specific details regarding the confirmation process timelines and any specific criteria considered for these nominations were not provided in the summary. The Rhode Island Senate will now review these nominations. Further information regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the Senate’s proceedings is expected to be made public as the confirmation process moves forward.
Story summarized from the original created by Christopher Shea on rhodeislandcurrent.com, see more information here.
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