The path for Gov. Kathy Hochul's nomination of Judge Hector LaSalle for chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals met a roadblock on Thursday, when Senate Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and another Senate Democrat brought the tally of lawmakers who oppose her pick to 12.

The development means Hochul will need votes from across the political aisle, from Republican senators, to have her pick confirmed. Thirty-two Senate votes are needed to confirm LaSalle, who would be the state's first Latino chief judge.