Patrick Bumatay
Ninth Circuit appeals judge since 2019, appointed by Trump; former federal prosecutor in San Diego.
Last refreshed: 27 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why did one Ninth Circuit judge side with the Justice Department on California ballots?
Timeline for Patrick Bumatay
9th Circuit sends DOJ ballot case back
US Midterms 2026Background
Patrick J. Bumatay is a judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, nominated by Donald Trump and confirmed in December 2019. He was an assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of California from 2012 to 2019 and held senior Justice Department posts, including counselor to the attorney general. On 26 October 2026 he dissented when the panel ruled 2-1 that it lacked jurisdiction over the Justice Department's California ballots appeal. He wrote that the federal government was likely to win on the merits and that "California's actions must be preempted".
Who is Judge Patrick Bumatay?
Why did Judge Bumatay dissent in the California ballots case?
Who appointed Judge Patrick Bumatay?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 27 October 2026. Editorial standards.