Former SD Appellate Judge Nominated For Chief Justice Of CA High Court

SAN DIEGO, CA — A former San Diego appellate justice was nominated by Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday to serve as chief justice of the California Supreme Court.

Patricia Guerrero, who made history as the first Latina to serve on the state's highest court, will be the first Latina to serve as California's chief justice if confirmed.

Guerrero, 50, of Coronado, would replace Chief Justice Tani Cantil- Sakauye, who announced last month that she would not seek another term.

"Justice Guerrero has established herself as a widely respected jurist with a formidable intellect and command of the law and deep commitment to equal justice and public service," Newsom said in a statement.

"A first-generation Californian from the Imperial Valley, Justice Guerrero broke barriers as California's first Latina Supreme Court justice, enriching our state's highest court with her insights and deep understanding of the real-world impacts of the court's decisions in the lives of everyday Californians. I thank Justice Guerrero for her willingness to step into this role and am confident that the people of California will continue to be well served by her leadership for years to come," the statement continued.

If confirmed, Guerrero will assume her role after Cantil-Sakauye's term concludes on Jan. 2. Guerrero's nomination must be confirmed by voters in the Nov. 8 general election, and must be submitted to the State Bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

"I am humbled by this nomination to lead our state's Supreme Court and thank the governor for entrusting me with this honor," Guerrero said. "If confirmed, I look forward to continuing the strides the court has made under Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye to expand equal access to justice and create a fairer justice system for all Californians."

Guerrero is an Imperial Valley native who served at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One in San Diego since 2017. Prior to her appointment to the appellate court, Guerrero was a San Diego Superior Court judge, as well as a former assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of California.

— City News Service