California Gov. Gavin Newsom Nominates First Latina Judge to State's Supreme Court

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday endorsed the first Latina Judge to their state's Supreme Court.

Justice Patricia Guerrero from San Diego will serve as the associate justice of the California Supreme Court if confirmed, per NBC News.

According to Associated Press, if confirmed, Guerrero will fill the vacancy in California's Supreme Court, which was left by Associate Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar. It can be recalled that Cuéllar left the post to become the president of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

In a tweet, Governor Gavin Newsom said that he was "proud to nominate" Guerrero for the post, contending that the 50-year-old nominee is "[b]rilliant, accomplished, and widely respected."

"Her [Guerrero] extraordinary journey and nomination to serve as the first Latina justice on the bench of our state's highest court is an inspiration to all of us and a testament to the California Dream's promise," Newsom said in a statement.

According to reports, Guerrero's nomination will be submitted to the state bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation. After that, it will be confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

"I am deeply honored by this incredible opportunity to uphold the rule of law and make a positive impact on the lives of Californians across the state," Guerrero said in a statement.

Reaction on First Latina Judge Nomination in California Supreme Court

The nomination announced by Gavin Newsom on Tuesday gathered positive reactions from entities and personalities.

In a statement, the Hispanic Caucus congratulated Guerrero for her nomination, mentioning some of her notable achievements in the field and calling her a "Latin trailblazer."

"The CHC [Congressional Hispanic Caucus] applauds Governor Newsom's decision and proudly supports Justice Guerrero's nomination. Californians will be well-served by Justice Guerrero on the Court," the Hispanic Caucus said in a statement.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta also hopped in to congratulate Guerrero on her nomination, saying that the state's Supreme Court will gain "invaluable insight and talent" if Guerrero would be confirmed as the new Associate Justice.

"The appointment of the Court's first Latina is historic and marks an important step toward ensuring our judicial system reflects our state," Bonta said.

Senator María Elena Durazo said Latinas make up 20 percent of California's population, but they remain underrepresented. Durazo then underscored the importance of having Latinas who represent them.

"When Latinas are absent from this critical branch of government, our experiences and perspectives are excluded, and this ripples throughout our communities in so many other ways," Durazo highlighted.

First Latina Judge Nominated in California Supreme Court: Who is Justice Patricia Guerrero?

Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, grew up in Imperial Valley, located in Southern California.

When she was 16 years old, Guerrero reportedly worked at a grocery store before she graduated high school as co-valedictorian.

She then attended the University of California, Berkley, and Stanford Law School, where she earned a Juris Doctor Degree.

In December 2017, Guerrero took office in the Court of Appeals, Fourth Appellate District, Division One. But before that, the associate justice nominee served as a judge of the San Diego Superior Court.

From 2002-2003, Guerrero also served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of California.

"I didn't get here alone... I stand on the shoulders of my parents and my grandparents who came to this country for better opportunities for their children," Guerrero said.

READ NEXT: California Judge Restores Gray Wolf Protections Across Much of U.S., Reviving Federal Recovery Efforts

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Governor Newsom Nominates Justice Patricia Guerrero to Serve as the First Latina on CA Supreme Court - From California Governor Gavin Newsom