From 1998 to 2019, he was a shareholder at the Traynor Law Firm in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where his practice focused on insurance defense, personal injury, and business litigation.

He was nominated to the seat vacated by Judge Daniel L. Hovland, who assumed senior status on November 10, 2019.

[3] Traynor was recommended for the district court by Senator Kevin Cramer, who announced his support for the nomination.

[4][5] On September 25, 2019, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

[7] On December 18, 2019, the United States Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 51–42 vote.