Maria Elena Cruz is Gov. Katie Hobbs' first appointment to the Arizona Supreme Court, a pick that earned praise from both sides of the political aisle. Catch up quick: Before her appointment yesterday, Cruz was a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Photo: Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Maria Elena Cruz celebrates her appointment to the Supreme Court on Jan. 29, 2025. (photo credit: Cameron Arcand)

Gov. Katie Hobbs on Monday placed the first Black and Hispanic woman on the Arizona Supreme Court. The governor chose Maria Elena Cruz, now a judge on the Court of Appeals, from among the five names submitted by the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. By law, Hobbs was required to choose from that list.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court. The state appellate judge from rural Yuma County will become the first Latina and the first Black person chosen for the state’s high court.

Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday named Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first Latina and first Black high court justice in state history.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs held a news conference on Jan. 29 to announce the appointment of Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court.

Gov. Katie Hobbs has selected Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Maria Elena Cruz to fill a seat on the Arizona Supreme Court. Cruz, a Democrat from Yuma County, was announced Wednesday as the governor's choice to fill a seat vacated by Justice Robert Brutinel last year.