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Politics and Government News
Matt Sepic
Minneapolis

In bipartisan vote, Senate confirms Minnesota’s newest federal judge

woman in gray suit speaks from table in hearing room
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino answers questions from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 10.
U.S. Senate

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The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed a veteran prosecutor as Minnesota's newest federal judge.

President Joe Biden in June nominated Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino to replace Judge Wilhelmina Wright, who retired.

The Senate approved the president’s choice in a 54-41 bipartisan vote.

Provinzino has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney since 2010, where she focused on human trafficking cases. She was one of the three women who prosecuted former Minnesota Republican Party operative Tony Lazzaro at his 2023 sex trafficking trial. Lazzaro, 34, is serving a 21-year sentence.

In a joint statement, DFL U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith said that Provinzino has the “respect of law enforcement across the state” and is “well qualified” for the lifetime appointment.

Provinzino, 49, grew up in St. Cloud, and has spent her entire legal career in Minnesota.

In a statement, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz said that Provinizino is a welcome addition to Minnesota’s federal bench.

“She has been appearing before our judges for almost 15 years, and she has skillfully handled some of the most difficult cases prosecuted in our district,” Schiltz said. “She is exceptionally smart, she is an elegant writer, she is always well prepared, and she treats everyone she encounters with kindness. These traits will serve her well in her new role.”