Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the nomination of Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court today. In February, Justice Guerrero made history as the first Latina to sit on the state bench. UCLA LPPI founding director Sonja Diaz issued the following statement in response to the appointment:
“Latinas and their leadership are inextricably linked with the future of our democracy. The nomination of Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as California’s chief justice is a testament to her legal acumen, candor and capacity to navigate complex legal issues for the world’s fifth largest economy. Justice Guerrero is now not only the first Latina to serve on California’s Supreme Court but will be the first Latina to serve as the chief justice.
With Governor Newsom’s historic nomination of Justice Guerrero, California joins a handful of states including New Mexico and Florida, who have elevated Latinas to lead their highest court. We look forward to continuing to celebrate Latina excellence in positions of power and influence while recognizing there is work to be done to ensure that Latinas are represented at all levels of our society, and that they are not serving alone.”
In September 2021, UCLA LPPI joined a group of Latino advocates and legal experts to urge Governor Newsom to appoint a Latina to the Supreme Court.
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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute
The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization, and leadership development to expand genuine opportunity for all Americans.
