MNAPABA is proud, honored, and thrilled to celebrate the historic appointment of Judge Reynaldo (“Reggie”) A. Aligada to the Minnesota Supreme Court.  Judge Aligada will join the bench as the first Asian Pacific American justice in Minnesota history.

Judge Aligada’s appointment marks a milestone for the AANHPI community, and it is only fitting that this historic moment occurs in the midst of AANHPI Heritage Month. Asian Americans currently represent the fastest-growing community in the United States and is one of the fastest-growing populations in Minnesota, and the AANHPI community as a whole is one of the largest and most diverse affinity groups, representing over 50 distinct ethnic groups.

Judge Aligada is a phenomenal choice to serve as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. He is an experienced and thoughtful judge who has served in the Second Judicial District since 2019. Before his judicial service, Judge Aligada served as First Assistant Federal Defender at the Office of the Federal Defender in Minneapolis and worked in civil litigation as an attorney at Robins Kaplan LLP (then Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP). Prior to that, Judge Aligada also served as judicial law clerk for judges at the United States District Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals. His community involvement is extensive and includes work with the Community Outreach Committee of the Federal Bar Association, the Federal Practice Committee, Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Gateway to Legal Education Advisory Board, and several bar associations—including MNAPABA.

Most importantly, Judge Aligada is a remarkable, kind, and compassionate human being. He deeply cares about the citizens of the State of Minnesota, and we are confident that Justice Aligada will serve all Minnesotans well in his new role.

MNAPABA commends Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and their judicial selection team for this historic appointment, and for all of their efforts in ensuring that Minnesota’s judicial branch reflects the background and diversity of the State’s residents. This moment also comes against the backdrop of a long and challenging history for AANHPI communities. From legislation excluding Chinese immigrants, to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, to xenophobic responses following 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the more recent actions against birthright citizenship, the AANHPI community has often been left to wonder what our place is.  Judge Aligada’s appointment is a reminder that our place is here, and that our community is well-woven into the historic tapestry of Minnesota and this country.

Congratulations, Justice Aligada!!