Maria Elena Cruz has officially made history as the first Latina and Black woman appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court.
The appointment marks a major milestone in the state’s judicial system.
Sworn in on Feb. 3, she joins the seven-member court, bringing a wealth of legal experience and a commitment to fair and impartial justice.
A Trailblazing Career
At 52 years old, Cruz has spent three decades in Yuma, Arizona, where she built her legal career.
She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona and served in various judicial roles, from the Yuma County Superior Court to the Cocopah Indian Tribal Court, before her appointment to the Arizona Court of Appeals by former Governor Doug Ducey.
Her latest appointment to the state’s highest court was made by Governor Katie Hobbs.
Reflecting on her journey, Cruz emphasized her deep connection to rural Arizona and her working-class roots.
“Yuma made me, and I want to continue to be a fair representation of that life. I will do the work of applying the law fairly,” she told Fox 10 Phoenix.
Notable Cases and Legal Philosophy
Cruz has ruled on high-profile cases impacting everyday Arizonans. She stood against attempts to block Prop 209, a measure protecting debtors from aggressive creditors, and ruled against SB 1377, which sought to prevent lawsuits against doctors and hospitals over COVID-related injuries.
However, she has also demonstrated judicial restraint, dissenting in a case where a woman sought to use frozen embryos against her ex-husband’s wishes.
“We’re not here to push forward our own personal agenda or preferences. We are here to uphold the law,” she said in a one-on-one interview with Fox 10 Phoenix.
What’s Next?
As a Supreme Court Justice, Cruz and her colleagues have a discretionary review over cases with statewide importance.
While she could not disclose upcoming cases, she confirmed that her first case, Dominguez v. Dominguez, a property dispute, will be heard on Feb. 27.
Her historic appointment represents a powerful step forward in representation for both Latina and Black women in law.
