Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on California Supreme Court Nominations
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding Governor Newsom’s nomination of Associate Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as the next Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, and his intent to appoint Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kelli Evans to the California Supreme Court as an Associate Justice:
“The judicial nomination and intended appointment today of Patricia Guerrero and Kelli Evans are a tandem punch of both legal prowess and inspiration for California.
“Justice Guerrero, who has tremendous legal experience at the state and federal level – including her time as a judge on the San Diego Superior Court – has a work ethic and judicial temperament that will be invaluable as we navigate the many challenges facing our state. The daughter of immigrants, Justice Guerrero is the first Latina in California history to serve on our state’s highest court, and will be its first Latina leader.
“Judge Kelli Evan’s impending appointment to serve as Associate Justice on the California Supreme Court also is a boon for our state. Her experience as an Alameda County Superior Court judge, combined with her legal expertise while working for an array of governmental entities, lends perspective that will undoubtedly resonate in her work on the Court. And as a member of the LGBTQ community, her ascension sends an affirming and encouraging message to our youth.
“The nomination of these two incredible women within the legal community maintains an incredible women-majority on the Court, and is proof positive of the power of hard work, tenacity, and perseverance. We live in the most diverse state in the nation, and it is heartening that the bench of the California Supreme Court reflects that, and us.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins