President Donald Trump nominated James David Cain Jr. on Monday to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, which includes Lake Charles.

Cain, a DeRidder native now based in Lake Charles, said he was “very honored and humbled” by the nomination. He is a founding member and partner of Loftin, Cain & LeBlanc LLC and has nearly 25 years of experience in federal and state courts.

The seat has been vacant since July 2017 when former U.S. District Court Judge Patricia Minaldi began her disability retirement. Minaldi stepped down from the bench in April 2017 and took medical leave to treat alcoholism. She had served as a federal judge since 2003.

U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, R-La., both issued statements applauding Trump’s nomination. Cassidy said Cain is “an experienced attorney,” while Kennedy said he looks forward to speaking with Cain once he goes before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing.

Any judicial nominee must go before the Senate committee for the confirmation hearing, followed by a vote of the full Senate. 

A federal judge is appointed for life but can leave the bench by resignation, retirement or through impeachment by Congress.

James David Cain Jr. is a nominee awaiting confirmation to local federal district court