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Judge Maria Elena Cruz appointed to Arizona Supreme Court

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Cruz has strong ties to the Yuma community

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday that Judge Maria Elena Cruz was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, Judge Cruz will fill the seat left vacant by Justice Robert Brutinel

The press release says Cruz received an "overwhelming support from a bipartisan group of community leaders." This includes the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls and Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot.

"Her presence on the bench is a historic moment for the state, and reaffirms that the court belongs to the everyday people of Arizona," Hobbs said in a post to X.

In another post, Hobbs said Cruz will be the first Latina and first African-American justice in state history after 113 years.

Cruz, a Yuma County resident for over 30 years, was raised by working class parents, with one of her parents being an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, according to the press release.

Hobbs also said she "prioritized an appointee who is not only highly qualified," but who also reflects Arizona and "who is committed to making" the state's legal system work "for everyday people."

Prior to her appointment on the state Superior Court, Hobbs said Cruz served on the Cocopah Indian Tribal Court, the Yuma County Superior Court and was appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals by former Governor Doug Ducey back in 2017.

"I could not be more proud of this appointment, and I know she will serve the state well on the Arizona Supreme Court," Hobbs expressed.

Article Topic Follows: Arizona Politics

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Marcos Icahuate

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Danyelle Burke North

Danyelle Burke North joined the KYMA team in March 2024 as a reporter.

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