San Diego Judges Approve Adam Gordon's Extension as U.S. Attorney

Appointment of Adam Gordon as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California

San Diego federal judges have taken a significant step in the appointment process by voting to name Adam Gordon as the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California. This decision comes with the goal of meeting a four-month deadline, ensuring that the position is filled before the current term expires on August 7.

The clerk of the U.S. District Court in San Diego confirmed this development, citing a report from a legal newspaper. John Morrill, the clerk, stated that the judges voted to appoint Gordon as the interim U.S. attorney. He added that an official appointment order will be filed before the term ends. While details about the vote remain limited, Morrill mentioned that the decision was made recently and that no further information would be provided at this time.

According to the Los Angeles-based Daily Journal, Chief Judge Cynthia A. Bashant confirmed the judges’ vote during a phone call on Monday afternoon. The Trump administration had requested the appointment of Gordon to the position just days earlier. Logan Manning, a spokesperson for the San Diego DOJ office, expressed that he was seeking clarification on the matter. He noted that no formal press release was expected and that more information would be shared once available.

Adam Gordon was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 10 for a 120-day term, which will conclude on August 7. Since his appointment, there have been notable changes within the office. As many as 10 assistant U.S. attorneys have left Gordon’s office, while others were demoted. Some employees have also departed since January, indicating a period of transition.

The Daily Journal reported that Gordon will continue in his role as the top federal law enforcer in the region unless he is fired by President Trump or replaced by a nominee who is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This situation highlights the temporary nature of his appointment and the potential for future changes.

Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2019, Gordon served as a deputy district attorney for San Diego County from 2009 to 2014. In 2017, he sought to become the interim district attorney after Bonnie Dumanis resigned. His career has included roles focused on opioid-related prosecutions, where he led efforts against fentanyl dealers responsible for overdose deaths.

Gordon, a 44-year-old former Harvard University student, has also been involved in political activities. He is known as a Trump donor, having contributed $250 to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in June 2024 and $1,200 to the 2020 Golden State Delegation, a conservative political action committee. In 2015, he donated $300 to Maverick PAC, a network for conservative young professionals.

A graduate of Harvard University in 2004, Gordon played football as a wide receiver, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds. He attended the prestigious Groton School in Massachusetts. During his time at Harvard, he received recognition for his athletic achievements, including the Francis H. Burr Scholarship Prize and the Patrick C. Melendez Award.

At Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek, where he worked previously, Gordon specialized in litigation and white collar criminal defense, as well as government investigations. His background reflects a blend of legal expertise and public service, positioning him for a leadership role in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.