New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's nomination of Hector D. LaSalle as the next chief judge of New York’s highest court on Dec. 22 came under swift criticism from her left. “Justice LaSalle’s deeply conservative judicial record includes decisions that are anti-abortion, anti-union, and anti-due process,” said Peter Martin, director of the advocacy organization Judicial Accountability at the Center for Community Alternatives. “His decisions make clear that his judicial philosophy is wrong for New York.” Locally, State senator Michelle Hinchey said she would refuse to vote for LaSalle's confirmation. "While I expressed my support for the many other accomplished & experienced Chief Judge candidates, I had also made it clear that I cannot support a nominee who has delivered anti-choice, anti-union rulings. If Hon. LaSalle’s nomination comes to the floor, I will vote no," Hinchey said. Other Democrats also announced initial opposition to the nomination. Critics cite three controversial rulings from LaSalle: He voted to shield a fake abortion clinic from a state investigation; in 2015 LaSalle carved a massive loophole into a state law against management from suing unions and union leaders; and in 2014 LaSalle voted to prohibit a criminal defendant from appealing his conviction. LaSalle would be the first Latino to lead New York's courts.