Gov. Evers appoints first Latino judge to serve on a Wisconsin appellate court

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers has named Judge Pedro Colón to the Court of Appeals – District I, following Judge Timothy G. Dugan's retirement announcement effective Nov. 18.

Colón, currently serving his fourth year as the presiding judge of the civil division in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, is set to complete Dugan's term, due to end July 31, 2024. He will be the first Latino judge to serve on an appellate court in the state.

In a Tuesday, June 20 press release, Evers praised Colón's dedication to public service.

"Judge Colón has dedicated his life to public service on behalf of the people of Milwaukee. His dedication to his community, breadth of experiences, and commitment to applying the law impartially and fairly will make him an excellent judge on the Court of Appeals," Evers stated.

Having held his position in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court since 2010, Colón has presided over various rotations including the children’s court, the small claims court, the general felony division and the civil division.

Prior to this, Colón was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1998, making history as the first Latino legislator in the state.

Colón expressed eagerness for the new role, saying, "I have had the honor of serving this community for nearly 25 years as a legislator and a judge, and I am looking forward to now taking my experiences to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals."

"I will provide a valuable perspective to the court and help ensure that all Wisconsinites have equal access to justice."