Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Ruiz Applauds Historic Nomination of Justice Patricia Guerrero as Associate Justice of CA Supreme Court

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement applauding California Governor Gavin Newsom's nomination of Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court:

"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus congratulates Justice Patricia Guerrero, a daughter of Mexican immigrants and a native of the Imperial Valley in Southern California, on her nomination to serve as Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court," said Chair Dr. Ruiz. "Justice Guerrero is a Latina trailblazer with an extensive career that makes her exceptionally qualified for this historic nomination. Throughout her career, Justice Guerrero has served as an appellate justice, trial court judge, and partner at a major law firm, all while serving the immigrant community through countless hours of pro-bono immigration work. The CHC strongly believes the judicial system should reflect the diversity of our nation and has played an active role in increasing Hispanic representation on the bench. The CHC applauds Governor Gavin Newsom's decision and proudly supports Justice Guerrero's nomination. Californians will be well-served by Justice Guerrero on the Court."

Fellow California members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus lauded Justice Guerrero's nomination.

"I want to commend Justice Guerrero on her historic nomination to serve as the first Latina on the California Supreme Court. As the son of Mexican immigrants, I am proud to see yet another first-generation Californian from my district succeed. Her journey from Imperial Valley to Stanford Law School, to her historic nomination today, is nothing short of inspirational," said Rep. Juan Vargas. "I have long advocated for more diversity on the bench, and believe it is past time for a Latina to serve on our state's highest court. I applaud Governor Newsom's commitment to equity and inclusion with this significant nomination. Justice Guerrero's impressive career fighting for equality will undoubtedly make her an excellent addition to the California Supreme Court, and I look forward to seeing her succeed as our state's first Latina Justice."

"I want to congratulate Justice Patricia Guerrero on her historic appointment as the first Latina Associate Justice on the California Supreme Court. I applaud Governor Newsom for recognizing not just Justice Guerrero's sterling credentials that were alone enough to earn this appointment, but that her voice and her lived experience as the child of immigrants from Mexico and a Latina reflect a large segment of our great state that have lacked representation on the highest court in California. Justice Guerrero is an inspiration to Latinas and Mexican-Americans in California, and an example to young people across the state of what you can achieve through hard work and perseverance," said Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán.

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