History is set to be made in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom has nominated Fourth District Court of Appeal Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve on the state’s Supreme Court. Should she be confirmed, Guerrero, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, will become the court’s first Latina justice. Her confirmation would also create a female majority on the court.
“I am deeply honored by this incredible opportunity to uphold the rule of law and make a positive impact on the lives of Californians across the state,” Guerrero said. “If confirmed, I look forward to helping instill confidence in the equality and integrity of our judicial system while honoring the sacrifices of my immigrant parents and demonstrating to young people that anything is possible in our wonderful and diverse country.”
Newsom’s office said that before being appointed to the appeals court in 2017, Guerrero served as a San Diego County Superior Court judge. “She has assisted clients on a pro bono basis in immigration matters, including asylum applications and protecting vulnerable families by litigating compliance with fair housing laws,” his office continued.
”Guerrero’s grandfather grew up in Yécora in the Mexican state of Sonora and applied for a sponsor so he could become a permanent resident of the United States,” the Los Angeles Times reported. “Her father was a field worker and her mother encouraged her family to read, according to a statement from the governor’s office.” Guerrero, 50, graduated from University of California, Berkeley and Stanford Law School, working at a grocery store to help pay for her education.
“Born and raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, her extraordinary journey and nomination to serve as the first Latina Justice on the bench of our state’s highest court is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to the California Dream’s promise of opportunity for all to thrive, regardless of background or zip code,” Newsom said.
Advocates celebrated the long overdue nomination, noting Guerrero stands to be the first Latina on the bench despite the group representing 20% of the state’s population (Latinos as a whole make up 39% of California’s population). Advocates had been urging the governor to appoint a Latina following the resignation of Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar last fall.
“When Latinas are absent from this critical branch of government, our experiences and perspectives are excluded, and this ripples throughout our communities in so many other ways,” California Latino Legislative Caucus chair María Elena Durazo told The Los Angeles Times. “Access to justice will be better served for all Californians.” Latino Victory also celebrated the nomination, tweeting “California’s state Supreme Court must reflect the state’s Latino population.”
“There is no question that Justice Guerrero’s impressive analytical skills, work ethic and dedication to public service will be an immense asset to the California Supreme Court,” said Fourth District Court of Appeal Administrative Presiding Justice Judith McConnell. “Having surmounted humble beginnings in the Imperial Valley and obstacles throughout her illustrious career, Justice Guerrero is uniquely positioned to protect the equality and integrity of our judicial system.”
“I’m confident that as our next California Supreme Court Justice, she’ll continue to serve the people of California with deep dedication and humility,” McConnell continued.