WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today welcomed President Trump’s nomination of Judge Sul Ozerden to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ozerden has served as the U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi since 2007.

“Judge Ozerden is the right choice for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals,” Wicker said. “His judicial and academic achievements alone qualify him for this position. But his good character, experience as a Navy fighter pilot, and record of volunteerism and community involvement also are exemplary. His service will benefit the court and the people of the United States for many years to come. I am glad President Trump has nominated another outstanding judicial candidate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure Judge Ozerden is confirmed swiftly.”

"Judge Ozerden has established a strong record on the bench, and I think President Trump’s nomination of him is consistent with his intent to place conservative jurists on the federal judiciary. Judge Ozerden’s experience and life story make him ideal for the Court of Appeals, and I will be proud to work with Senator Wicker and my colleagues to confirm him as soon as possible,” Hyde-Smith said. 

Ozerden, a Gulfport native, was confirmed by the Senate to his current position with broad bipartisan support. On the U.S. District Court, he has authored more than 1,000 judicial opinions and has previously sat by designation on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The judge earned his law degree from Stanford Law School and an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University.  

Ozerden is also a retired commissioned officer and pilot with the U.S. Navy. He flew missions in Iraq and Somalia. 

A seat on the Fifth Circuit of U.S. Court of Appeals opened when Judge Grady Jolly took senior status in October 2017. The Fifth Circuit covers the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.