Will a PA judge get the Supreme Court nod to replace Justice Kennedy?

06.28.18 | Sarah Harnisch

Judge Thomas m. Hardiman is a conservative federal judge out of Pittsburgh.

Lawyers who have worked with the 52 year old describe him as a staunch conservative, but not an activist judge. He does not allow his personal viewpoints to influence his opinions.

Hardiman was a graduate of Georgetown, a litigator at a Washington, D.C. firm, and became a law firm partner by age 30. President Bush appointed him to the court of appeals in 2006, and he was confirmed by the Senate with a unanimous vote.

Hardiman was second in line behind Neil Gorsuch; pundits say there's a good shot you'll see his name at the top of the list of nearly 25 judges heading to President Trump's desk.