President Biden nominated Reyes to the seat vacated by Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, who assumed senior status on July 23, 2022.

[5] Reyes was unanimously rated "well qualified" for the judgeship by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary.

[7] During his confirmation hearing, Senator Marsha Blackburn, accused him of "releasing dangerous criminals into the community" via bail grants.

She asked how the panel could be assured Reyes would follow sentencing laws considering complaints about crime from her constituents.

[8] On January 3, 2023, his nomination was returned to the President under Rule XXXI, Paragraph 6 of the United States Senate.