This marks President Biden’s twelfth openly LGBTQ+ federal judge, setting a new record for the most LGBTQ+ judges appointed by any president in U.S. history
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) celebrated the historic confirmation of Mary Kay Costello to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Costello, who will serve in Philadelphia, becomes President Biden’s twelfth openly LGBTQ+ federal judge, breaking the record for the most LGBTQ+ judges appointed by any president in U.S. history.
“Today is a proud day for Pennsylvania and for our country. Mary Kay Costello’s historic confirmation is a win for every American who believes our courts are stronger when they reflect the diversity of the people they serve,” said Senator Fetterman. “Mary Kay represents the best of our commonwealth—tough, smart, and unafraid to take on powerful interests. Today, she brings those values to the federal bench. I’m proud to have championed her nomination, and I know she will make Pennsylvania proud throughout her tenure.”
“From her experience in the U.S. Attorney’s office, private practice, and the U.S. Air Force, Mary Kay Costello has devoted her career to rooting out fraud and keeping communities safe,” said Senator Casey. “I am pleased to join my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle in voting for her historic confirmation. She is well-qualified to take on this new role and I look forward to seeing her continue to serve the people of Eastern Pennsylvania.”
Mary Kay Costello has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia for the past 15 years, prosecuting cases involving public corruption, fraud, drug trafficking, and other significant crimes. She served for eight years in the Air Force as a communications-computer systems operator, receiving an honorable discharge in 1994 as a staff sergeant.
Costello resides in Philadelphia with her spouse and two young children and is a graduate of Temple University, where she earned both her undergraduate and law degrees.
With this confirmation, Costello joins the ranks of an increasingly diverse judiciary appointed by President Biden.
