PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine’s governor has nominated a veteran judge to become the first Black justice on the state’s highest court.

Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, nominated Rick Lawrence to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court post on Monday. Lawrence, 66, has served more than 20 years as a district court judge, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Lawrence is lined up to replace Associate Justice Ellen Gorman, who has announced plans to retire. Lawrence’s appointment is subject to approval by the Maine Senate.