PHOENIX -- Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday, making the state appellate judge from Yuma County the first Latina and first Black person chosen for the state’s high court.

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. — Gov. Katie Hobbs has selected Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Maria Elena Cruz to fill a seat on the Arizona Supreme Court. Cruz, a Democrat from Yuma County, was announced Wednesday as the governor's choice to fill a seat vacated by Justice Robert Brutinel last year.