Governor Katie Hobbs Appoints Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court

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Phoenix, AZ ~ Phoenix, AZ - In a historic move, Governor Katie Hobbs has announced her selection of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to fill the vacancy on the Arizona Supreme Court. With bipartisan support and a career spanning over two decades, Judge Cruz will become the first Latina and Black Arizonan to sit on the state's highest court.

Judge Cruz's impressive legal career includes serving on the Arizona Court of Appeals since 2017, after being appointed by Governor Doug Ducey. Prior to that, she served as Presiding Judge on the Yuma County Superior Court and also worked in the Cocopah Indian Tribal Court. Her diverse background and experience make her a highly qualified candidate for this prestigious position.

Governor Hobbs praised Judge Cruz's dedication to justice and service to her state and community. "Her decades of work reflect not only her legal expertise, but her deep understanding of the people she serves," said Governor Hobbs. "Her presence on the Arizona Supreme Court reaffirms that the court belongs to the people of Arizona."

Judge Cruz's upbringing as the child of working class parents and her 32 years as a resident of Yuma County have given her a unique perspective on the issues facing everyday Arizonans. As a social worker who has worked with victims of domestic violence and homeless youth, she has seen firsthand how the justice system impacts vulnerable members of society.

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"I'm confident Judge Cruz will be a Justice who gives a voice to working class people in every corner of our state," said Governor Hobbs. "From being raised by working class parents, one an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, to serving on the highest Court in Arizona, Maria Elena Cruz has lived the Arizona Promise."

Judge Cruz received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona and has experience as both a defense attorney and prosecutor. She has presided over a wide range of cases at every level in state court.

Her nomination received overwhelming support from a bipartisan group of community leaders, including the entire Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls, and Yuma County Sheriff George Wilmot. Judge Cruz's appointment also marks a historic moment as she will be the first Latina and Black Arizonan to serve on the Arizona Supreme Court.

Judge Cruz will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Robert Brutinel and was selected from a list submitted by the nonpartisan Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. Her headshot is included below.

The addition of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court not only brings diversity to the bench, but also reaffirms Governor Hobbs' commitment to appointing qualified individuals who reflect the people of Arizona. With her extensive experience and dedication to justice, Judge Cruz is sure to make a significant impact on the state's highest court.

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