The Senate has confirmed Frank Geraci as the new US District Court judge for the Western District of New York.

Geraci has served as a County Court judge and acting state Supreme Court judge since 1999; judges often serve both roles in the state's court system. Senator Chuck Schumer recommended Geraci for the judge position and President Barack Obama nominated him for it.

Former District Attorney Mike Green was previously nominated for the federal judgeship, but the Senate never voted whether to confirm him. Last year, after it became clear his nomination wouldn't get a vote, Green said that Republicans in the Senate were blocking his confirmation. Green now serves as the executive deputy commissioner of the state Department of Criminal Justice Services.