Minnesota’s New Chief Federal Judge | Minneapolis News

Minneapolis News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 2, 2026 · 1m

Minnesota’s federal court just got a fresh face at the helm—Eric C. Tostrud officially took the reins as chief judge Wednesday, stepping in after Patrick J. Schiltz’s four-year term ended. Nominated by Trump in 2018 and confirmed the same year, Tostrud is a Minnesota native who spent his entire legal career at Minneapolis’ Lockridge Grindal Nauen, specializing in healthcare, insurance, and financial fraud. He’ll base himself in St. Paul, while Schiltz continues working from Minneapolis. Though the chief judge role typically lasts seven years, judges often step down earlier—usually around age…