Maria Elena Cruz named first Afro-Latina on Arizona Supreme Court

Governor Katie Hobbs recently appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first Afro-Latina and Hispanic justice to serve on the state’s highest court. Justice Cruz’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the representation of diverse communities in Arizona’s judicial system.

Justice Cruz earned her law degree from University of Arizona and brings a wealth of experience to the bench. She has previously worked as a prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney and a judge in Yuma County. Since 2017, she has served as an appeals court judge, gaining the respect of the legal community for her fair and thoughtful rulings. In addition to her legal work, Justice Cruz also teaches trial advocacy in Mexico, sharing her expertise with aspiring legal professionals.

In an exclusive interview with “Horizonte” host Catherine Anaya, Justice Cruz spoke about her new role and the importance of representation within Arizona’s judiciary. She highlighted how her background as a Latina, Afro-Latina and rural community member shapes her understanding of the diverse needs of Arizonans. Justice Cruz shared she has received overwhelming support from both the Latino and Black communities, as well as from rural residents, emphasizing that this representation truly matters.

While Justice Cruz affirmed her Latina identity will not affect her impartiality, she expressed that her appointment is crucial in fostering public confidence in the judiciary.

“The law is the same for everyone, but it does matter that communities see themselves reflected in their institutions,” Justice Cruz explained. “If we have such a significant portion of our population from the Latino and Afro-Latina communities, it only makes sense that this representation be reflected on the Supreme Court.”

Justice Cruz is now one of two Latino justices on the Arizona Supreme Court, joining Justice John R. Lopez IV. However, she is the first Latina to hold this prestigious role. Justice Cruz remains focused on her responsibilities and is determined to make a lasting impact on the court.

“The work is just beginning,” she concluded, also signaling her dedication to upholding justice and fairness in her new position.