Maria Elena Cruz becomes the first Latina and Black justice on Arizona's Supreme Court, reflecting the state's growing diversity. Appointed by a Democratic governor, she brings a bipartisan judicial background to the court.

The Arizona Supreme Court now has seven justices after Maria Elena Cruz was sworn in on Feb. 3. She's a historical appointee, and we're learning more about her in a one-on-one interview.

Maria Elena Cruz, a state appeals court judge, is the first Latina and first Black Arizonan to serve on the state’s most influential bench.

Arizona's newest Supreme Court Justice Maria Elena Cruz spoke with ABC15 on Tuesday as she prepares to embark her new role.

Gov. Katie Hobbs on Monday placed the first Black and Hispanic woman on the Arizona Supreme Court. The governor chose Maria Elena Cruz, now a judge on the Court of Appeals, from among the five names submitted by the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments. By law, Hobbs was required to choose from that list.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court. The state appellate judge from rural Yuma County will become the first Latina and the first Black person chosen for the state’s high court.

Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday named Judge Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court, making her the first Latina and first Black high court justice in state history.

Judge Maria Elena Cruz is sworn in as Arizona's newest Supreme Court justice by Gov. Katie Hobbs on Feb. 3, 2025.