A momentous step forward for both the legal community and the state of Arizona was taken on January 29, 2025, as Governor Katie Hobbs announced her pick to fill a vacancy on the Arizona Supreme Court: Judge Maria Elena Cruz. With this historic appointment, Judge Cruz will become the first Latina and Black Arizonan to serve on the state’s highest court, a move that reflects the diversity and evolving representation within the judiciary.
Currently serving on the Arizona Court of Appeals after being appointed by Governor Doug Ducey in 2017, she has built a career steeped in both legal expertise and a deep commitment to her community. Before her time on the Court of Appeals, Judge Cruz served as the Presiding Judge on the Yuma County Superior Court and has even presided over cases on the Cocopah Indian Tribal Court. Her breadth of experience spans across almost every type of case in state court, showcasing her versatility and comprehensive understanding of the law.
Governor Hobbs’ endorsement of Judge Cruz emphasizes not only her qualifications but her profound connection to the state she will now serve at the highest level. “Judge Maria Elena Cruz has led a life dedicated to justice and service to her state and community,” said Governor Hobbs. “Her decades of work reflect not only her legal expertise but her deep understanding of the people she serves. Her presence on the Arizona Supreme Court reaffirms that the court belongs to the people of Arizona.”
Throughout her career, Judge Cruz has demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that the legal system works for everyone—especially vulnerable populations. “As a social worker who has supported victims of domestic violence and homeless youth, I have seen firsthand how the justice system impacts our everyday lives, and particularly the lives of vulnerable Arizonans,” Governor Hobbs explained. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping the selection of Judge Cruz, someone who not only possesses remarkable qualifications but also reflects the state’s evolving demographics and values.
In addition to her judicial experience, Judge Cruz is an active member of Los Abogados Hispanic Bar Association, an organization that advocates for the rights of Hispanic and Latinos while promoting fairness and diversity in the legal system. Her involvement in the bar association further highlights her commitment to serving her community and advancing equity within the legal profession.
Judge Cruz is also playing a crucial role in improving the Arizona judicial system’s outreach and communications. She is actively involved with the newly created Supreme Court Task Force on Public Communications, established by Justice Ann Timmer and the Arizona Supreme Court. As one of the task force’s team leaders, Judge Cruz has worked closely with Christopher Parkinson, the marketing director for Coash Court Reporting & Video. The task force’s mission is to narrow the knowledge gap surrounding the Arizona judicial branch, foster greater public understanding, and ultimately increase awareness of the courts. By helping develop communications tools and providing valuable insights, Judge Cruz is contributing to strengthening trust in the courts and ensuring a fair and accessible justice system for all Arizonans.
Beyond her personal history, Judge Cruz has received wide-ranging bipartisan support. She garnered endorsements from community leaders across party lines, including the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls, and Yuma County Sheriff George Wilmot. This overwhelming support is a testament to Judge Cruz’s reputation as a fair and dedicated jurist, one who has earned the trust of diverse groups throughout Arizona.