Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday nominated Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore to become the next chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals.

Cuomo called DiFiore "tremendously qualified" for the position, and DiFiore said she was humbled by the honor.

"My professional life has been devoted to the fair administration of justice, and I would gladly continue my service to the people of New York on our state's highest court," she said in response to the nomination.

Her nomination must be confirmed by the state Senate, which will likely happen in January.

DiFiore has been Westchester's district attorney since 2006. She previously served as a Westchester County Court judge and a state Supreme Court justice.

The county will hold an election at a later date to elect a new district attorney.