Reprodução: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulh1pHs4jhY
Maria Elena Cruz, born in 1972, has built a remarkable trajectory in the Arizona judicial system and, since January 29, 2025, has been a member of the State Supreme Court. Prior to this appointment, she served as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals between 2017 and 2025, cementing her reputation in the judiciary.
Born in Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Arizona at the age of 14, where she began her academic and professional journey. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 1998, supplementing her education with an associate degree from Arizona Western College in 1995, and subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree from James E. Rogers College of Law in 2001. During her time as an undergraduate, she excelled by participating in the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, demonstrating her early interest in the field of law.
After completing her studies, Cruz began her career as a prosecutor in Tucson and Yuma, which paved the way for her entry into the judiciary. In 2008, she was elected as a judge of the Yuma County Superior Court, consolidating her experience and dedication to public service. Her performance caught the attention of political leaders, and in March 2017, Republican Governor Doug Ducey appointed her to the Arizona Court of Appeals. This nomination had special significance as it represented the first judicial appointment made by a governor to that court from the opposing party since 1991. In 2019, her competence was again recognized when she was a finalist for a vacancy on the State Supreme Court.
The culmination of her career came in January 2025, when Governor Hobbs nominated her to fill a seat on the Arizona Supreme Court, succeeding Robert M. Brutinel. This appointment reflects not only the recognition of Cruz's vast experience and commitment to justice, but also the importance of her trajectory, which combines a solid academic background with a record of exemplary public service in the state.
