Daughter of Mexican immigrants becomes first Latina confirmed to California Supreme Court
A San Diego appeals court judge made history in California on Tuesday, after becoming the first Latina member of the California Supreme Court.
Justice Patricia Guerrero, 50, is a daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in Southern California’s Imperial Valley.
She was nominated by Gov. Gavin Newson last month and approved by a 3-0 vote of the Commission on Judicial Appointments.
Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, chair of the commission, announced her confirmation Tuesday, according to a news release.
Guerrero, who has served as an associate justice on the state’s 4th District Court of Appeal since 2017, will fill the vacancy left by Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, who stepped down last year.
She has also served as a judge at the San Diego County Superior Court, worked as a partner at a law firm, and served as an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
According to a report by the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation, Guerrero is “exceptionally well qualified” for the state’s high court, and “universally lauded for her superior intellect, clear writing, judicial temperament, work ethic, and compassion.”
Two dozen family members and friends — including her father, sister, husband, as well as friends who grew up with her in Imperial Valley — attended the confirmation hearing in the Supreme Court Courtroom in San Francisco.
Guerrero said that she was humbled by the magnitude of the moment, praising those who came before her.
“As I’ve tried to express, this is not just about me, or really even just about my parents, but it’s about so many others just like us,” she said, according to The Associated Press.
“This is a story of the American dream, the belief that with hard work, perseverance and opportunities, anything is possible. And for that I am thankful.”
Justice Guerrero is expected to be sworn in Monday by Gov. Newsom.
