Colm F. Connolly and Maryellen Noreika broke their public silence for the first time this week after being tapped to fill two vacancies on Delaware’s federal bench.

Speaking before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, both nominees cited present and past members of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware as examples of what federal judges should strive to be. And while they faced a limited number of questions, each were asked to reflect on their experience arguing before the court, which they are now poised to join.