# Fifth Circuit judicial vacancy and nomination

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fifth-circuit-judicial-vacancy-and-nomination
> Updated: 2026-10-01T18:01:47.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Judge Leslie Southwick announced his intention to semi-retire from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit once a successor is confirmed by the Senate. This vacancy in the court, which covers Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, created an opportunity for President Donald Trump to appoint a new judge.

Following the announcement, President Trump nominated G. Todd Butler, a Mississippi appellate attorney and managing partner at the Phelps Dunbar law firm, to fill the seat. Butler’s nomination has received endorsements from Mississippi Republican Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, who highlighted his expertise in constitutional law and appellate litigation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: G. Todd Butler nominated to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

President Donald Trump has nominated Mississippi attorney G. Todd Butler to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, succeeding Judge Leslie Southwick.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/g-todd-butler-nominated-to-us-fifth-circuit-court-of-appeals

### 2026-09-28: Fifth Circuit judicial vacancy follows Judge Leslie Southwick retirement announcement

Judge Leslie Southwick will retire from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, opening a seat for a Trump administration appointee amid potential Senate confirmation challenges.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fifth-circuit-judicial-vacancy-follows-judge-leslie-southwick-retirement-announcement

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Cite as: Fifth Circuit judicial vacancy and nomination. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fifth-circuit-judicial-vacancy-and-nomination