arizona supreme court
Hobbs Appoints Appellate Court Judge Maria Elena Cruz To Fill Supreme Court Vacancy

February 4, 2025

By Matthew Holloway |

On January 29, Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Appellate Court Judge Maria Elena Cruz to fill the vacancy of Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel. Brutinel announced his retirement in 2024. Cruz emphasized her understanding of those “marginalized because of their color or their gender.”

In a news conference on Wednesday Hobbs told reporters, “I prioritized an appointee who is not only eminently qualified, but also someone who reflects our state and who is committed to making our legal system work for everyday people,” according to AZCentral. “Of course, I was focused on credentials and experience, but also, on appointing a justice who will uplift those who need it most.” 

Cruz highlighted her heritage while standing with her family during the conference saying, “For many, this day is long overdue. And so today, we celebrate. We celebrate that Arizonans will look at their highest court and see a group that looks more like them.”

She told reporters that she has a “deep respect and loyalty for the rule of law, but also, a perspective that is informed by growing up, living, raising a family and working in rural Arizona.” She also said that she has, “a personal understanding of challenges faced by those who are marginalized because of their color or their gender.”

Hobbs also stressed Cruz as “a Justice who gives a voice to working class people in every corner of our state,” adding the dimension of a class-based distinction to her appointment decision as well.

Appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals in 2017 by then-Governor Doug Ducey, Judge Cruz ruled against the Republican-led Arizona Senate, forcing the release of several sealed records related to audit of the 2020 election returns with the Florida company Cyber Ninjas. The court found that Cyber Ninjas, despite being a third party, was compelled to turn over documentation on how the recount audit was being conducted while it was still underway.

Cruz wrote for the three-judge panel, “Allowing the legislature to disregard the clear mandate of the (public records law) would undermine the integrity of the legislative process and discourage transparency, which contradicts the purpose of both the immunity doctrine and the (law),” according to NBC News.  She added, “The requested records are no less public records simply because they are in the possession of a third party, Cyber Ninjas.”

As reported by AZCentral, Cruz noted on her application for the role that she officiated same-sex marriages in Yuma County once they became legal after two justices of the peace refused to do so. She wrote, “I had to stand up … for the law and, regardless of the threat of potential backlash at the polls, I officiated over the first same-sex wedding in our county.” She added, “I always said that any decision I made could be the beginning of the end. A good judge should always be faithful to the law no matter the personal risk.”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.

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