Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced on Jan. 29 the appointment of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first “Latina and Black justice” in the state’s history.
Cruz, a graduate of the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law, has a long career in Arizona’s legal system. She previously worked as a prosecutor in the Yuma County Attorney’s Office before being appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals in 2017 by former Governor Doug Ducey.
She will replace Justice Robert Brutinel, who announced his retirement in October 2023.
Under Arizona law, the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments must provide the governor with at least three candidates to choose from. On Dec. 9, the 16-member commission interviewed eight applicants and ultimately submitted a list of five finalists to Hobbs. The governor then had 60 days to make her decision.
During the announcement, Cruz emphasized the significance of her appointment:
“For many, this day is long overdue, and so today we celebrate. We celebrate that Arizonans will look at their highest court and see a group that looks more like them.”
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for diversity in Arizona’s judiciary and reinforces Governor Hobbs’ commitment to broad representation in the state’s highest institutions.
Last year, the Arizona State Attorney General’s office said it would be opening an investigation into Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for reportedly being involved in a “pay to play” scheme.
The investigation follows a report revealed a government-funded children’s group home company donated $100,000 to the Democratic governor.
The group home was reportedly later given more funding from the Arizona government, after a previous denial to receive the funds.
