Hobbs Appoints Trailblazer Maria Elena Cruz as Arizona’s First Latina Supreme Court Justice

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the historic appointment of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first Latina and first Black justice in the state’s history.

Cruz, who has been a judge in Arizona since 2005, emphasized the importance of representation in the judiciary. “Why should the courts not reflect the population?” she asked reporters during the announcement.

A Yuma County Democrat, Cruz began her judicial career as a superior court judge before serving on the Arizona Court of Appeals since 2017. Her selection garnered bipartisan support, receiving unanimous approval from the judicial screening panel. Cruz attributed her cross-party backing to her community-focused work and noted, “It’s just an expression of people’s confidence in the work that I have done.”

Cruz’s appointment replaces Republican Robert Brutinel, who retired at the end of October after 14 years on the Supreme Court. This marks the first time in over 15 years that a Democratic governor has appointed a justice to the state’s highest court. Currently, five justices were appointed by former Governor Doug Ducey, and the Chief Justice was appointed by former Governor Jan Brewer.

During the press conference, Cruz highlighted her two decades of judicial experience, including her ongoing role overseeing a restitution court in Yuma that helps ensure victims receive court-ordered restitution. “I will do the work of applying the law fairly,” Cruz pledged, focusing on the importance of accessibility in the legal system for marginalized communities.

Hobbs praised Cruz’s dedication to the people of Arizona, emphasizing her qualifications and commitment to mentoring aspiring lawyers. “Judge Cruz the person gives me confidence that she will be a justice who gives a voice to working-class people in every corner of our state,” Hobbs stated.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Arizona as a teenager and faced the challenge of learning English. She later earned her law degree from the University of Arizona and has spent over 30 years in Yuma. “I’m humbled that you have placed your confidence and trust in me to carry out this important role for the people of our state,” she expressed.

Chief Justice Ann Timmer praised Cruz for her analytical abilities and rural perspective, noting the significance of having judges who understand the access to justice challenges facing Arizona residents. “So, having someone from Yuma and a former superior court judge is a tremendous boon to our court,” Timmer said.

Cruz was surrounded by family during the announcement, marking the occasion as both a personal and professional milestone. She acknowledged the political nature of judicial appointments but expressed a commitment to impartiality in her new role. “A true, an honest judge and justice is going to look at the law openly, fairly,” she concluded.