Patricia Guerrero is sworn in as first Latina justice on California Supreme Court
SACRAMENTO — The first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court was sworn in Monday as officials praised the historic elevation of appellate judge Patricia Guerrero to the state’s highest court.
“It made history for us and the future of California,” said Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye. She added that “it is such a substantive and well-deserved appointment.”
Moreover, Guerrero’s ascension after being confirmed last week restored the four-female majority on the seven-member court, Cantil-Sakauye noted.
Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, brings a “different perspective than has ever been offered on this court,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said before administering the oath of office.
But Newsom said his appointment of Guerrero “is not just about first, this is about best.”
Andi Mudryk will be the state’s second openly trans judge and the first to reach the bench by a governor’s appointment.
Guerrero, 50, of San Diego, who grew up in the agricultural Imperial Valley, said in brief remarks that she is the product of “the courage, the sacrifices and the struggles of my parents and my grandparents.”
“They came to this country knowing that it would not be easy for them,” she said. “But like so many others, they came here with hope — hope of a brighter future for their children, the pursuit … of the American dream.”
Guerrero fills the vacancy left in October when Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar stepped down.
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