In a groundbreaking move, Maria Elena Cruz has been appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, making history as the first Latina and Black justice to serve on the state’s high court. This historic appointment not only enhances diversity but also marks a significant shift in the court's dynamics that have been predominantly Republican since 2005.
Governor Hobbs' decision to appoint Cruz represents the first high court selection by a Democratic governor in almost two decades, adding diverse voices and perspectives to Arizona's judicial system. The Arizona Supreme Court, founded in 1912, has never before seen a justice who identifies as Black, and only one, Vice Chief Justice John Lopez, has been Latino. Cruz, from Yuma County, thus stands as a representation of Arizona's rich cultural tapestry.
Prior governors, Doug Ducey and Jan Brewer, filled the court with six justices, all based in Maricopa County, creating a concentration of judicial power in the state’s most populous region. With Justice Robert Brutinel's recent retirement, Governor Hobbs had a rare opportunity to fill the vacancy with a candidate reflecting the southwestern corner's unique heritage, where Arizona meets California and Mexico.
The Arizona Supreme Court has addressed numerous contentious issues over recent years, including debates over abortion and election procedures, and faced accusations of political bias. Under state law, the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments prescribes a list of at least three candidates for the governor's selection. The current selection process involved interviewing eight candidates, resulting in a shortlist of five, from which Cruz was chosen.
Born to Puerto Rican and Dominican parents in New York, Cruz moved to Yuma County at age 14. Her unexpected inspiration to pursue law came after a car accident led her into a lawyer’s office, where she was struck by the profound impact and responsibility embodied in the legal profession. Determined to create such an influence, she redirected her career trajectory towards law.
Cruz obtained her psychology degree from the University of Arizona in 1998, followed by a juris doctorate from the James E. Rogers College of Law in 2001. She amassed extensive experience, beginning with a clerkship at the Pima County Attorney's Office, later serving both as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
In 2005, she became a judge pro tem for the Cocopah Indian Tribe, eventually serving from 2009 to 2017 as a Yuma County Superior Court judge. Her judicial journey continued with her 2017 appointment to the Arizona Court of Appeals, becoming notable as the first Democrat chosen by Republican Governor Ducey for such a role.
Maria Elena Cruz's appointment is not just a personal milestone but a significant moment in Arizona's judicial history. It underscores the state's ongoing transformation and commitment to diverse representation, setting a precedent for future appointments.
As the Arizona Supreme Court navigates through critical issues impacting the state's socio-political landscape, Justice Cruz's presence will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and foster inclusivity in its decision-making process, guiding Arizona toward a more representative judiciary system.