DULUTH — Three finalists have been named for an upcoming vacancy on the local bench.

Attorneys Matthew Benfield, Nathan LaCoursiere and Angela Wilson were recommended Friday by the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection for a seat chambered at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth.

Judge Eric Hylden, the longest-serving member of the 6th Judicial District, will retire Oct. 10 after more than 18 years on the bench.

Gov. Tim Walz is expected to appoint a replacement in the coming weeks. The governor is not bound by the commission’s recommendations, but typically selects from the list of finalists.

Benfield is a managing attorney for the local public defender’s office, representing clients in criminal matters while also helping to supervise attorneys and support staff in southern

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