8 Candidates Surge Forward in Supreme Court Selection Process

The competition for the next Arizona Supreme Court justice has narrowed, as the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments advanced only eight of the 17 applicants for consideration. This decision was made public on Friday, with the critical interview stage set for December 9.

While the commission could theoretically submit all eight qualified candidates for the governor’s consideration, they are not obligated to do so. The commission can present as few as three nominees, meeting the legal minimum established by the Arizona Constitution.

Significantly, the final list must include at least one political independent. The current pool of candidates reflects a lack of Republican applicants, as no Republicans have stepped forward to seek appointment by the Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs.

The commission is also encouraging public input on the candidates. Interested individuals can either attend the December 9 meeting at the Supreme Court or submit written comments via email to jnc@courts.az.gov. However, only feedback from identifiable individuals will be considered.

The candidates who will advance to the interview stage are:

– Maria Elena Cruz, judge on the state Court of Appeals (Democrat).

– Nicole Davis, deputy director of the Department of Economic Security and its general counsel (political independent).

– Andrew Gaona, private practice attorney and Democrat, who has represented Hobbs in legal matters since the 2022 election.

– Andrew Jacobs, judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals (Democrat).

– Doreen McPaul, assistant legislative attorney for the Tohono O’odham Nation (Democrat).

– Regina Nassen, principal assistant attorney for the city of Tucson, who has shifted between party affiliations (formerly a Democrat, now a political independent).

– Alexander Samuels, assistant state attorney general (Democrat).

– Amy Sells, attorney at a Phoenix law firm (Democrat).

Ultimately, the governor will choose from the final list, and unlike federal appointments, there is no Senate confirmation process required in Arizona.