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Sen. Kay Hagan announced on her conference call this morning that President Barack Obama has nominated two North Carolina judges to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals: Judge James “Jim” Wynn, who currently sits on the N.C. Court of Appeals, and Judge Albert Diaz, a Superior Court judge in Mecklenburg County who handles complex business cases.

From a release by Hagan:

"The 4th Circuit serves five states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. North Carolina, the largest and fastest growing of the five states in the 4th Circuit, has been historically underrepresented on the 15-judge panel. Dating back to the establishment of the 4th Circuit in 1801, North Carolina has had only six judges serve on the panel. Currently, Judge Allyson Duncan is the only judge from North Carolina. Upon taking office in January, Senator Hagan made it a top priority to increase North Carolina’s representation on the court."

Hagan has been pounding this drum since she was elected, and getting these two appointments is a win for her.

“I’m going to be working very hard to ensure this confirmation process is smooth,” Hagan said.

In a written statement, the president called the pair “exceptional public servants.”

 “Their distinguished judicial careers leave no doubt that they will be esteemed additions to the Fourth Circuit," the statement said.