PHOENIX (AP) - Two appointments to fill vacancies on the Arizona Court of Appeals include Republican Gov. Doug Ducey’s first selection of a Democrat to serve on a state appellate court.
Ducey announced Wednesday he appointed Judges Jennifer Campbell from Yavapai County and Maria Elena Cruz of Yuma County to fill vacancies created by appointments of Justice Andrew Gould to the Arizona Supreme Court and the retirement of Judge Patricia Orozco.
Cruz is a Democrat, while Campbell is a Republican.
Ducey’s three Supreme Court appointees didn’t include any Democrats, and Ducey spokesman Patrick Ptak said Cruz is the first Democrat among Ducey’s five appointments to the Court of Appeals.
Ptak said Ducey previously appointed Democrats to fill Superior Court vacancies.
Campbell and Cruz were among five nominees recommended by a state commission.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.