Who will Hobbs pick for the Supreme Court?
Taking a look at the recommendations each of the final five candidates received.
Update as of 9 a.m. January 29: Hobbs appointed Maria Elena Cruz to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Original story below:
Governor Katie Hobbs faces a consequential decision as she evaluates five finalists for her first Arizona Supreme Court appointment. With Justice Robert Brutinel’s retirement, the vacancy has drawn candidates with diverse backgrounds and judicial philosophies. The candidates are made up of two appellate court judges, one deputy solicitor general, one general counsel in the Hobbs administration, and a top attorney in the Tucson City Attorney’s Office. Maria Elena Cruz, Nicole Davis, Andrew Jacobs, Regina Nassen, and Alexander Samuels are all vying for the coveted position.
Each candidate brings unique strengths to the bench, but challenges—ranging from public perception to professional associations—may also factor into Hobbs' ultimate decision. The governor has until February 7 to make her choice.
Maria Elena Cruz: The Longtime Top Contender
Judge Maria Elena Cruz has long been viewed as a top contender for Arizona's highest court. She was a consistent favorite of the Judicial Nominating Commission during Governor Doug Ducey’s tenure, earning her a seat on the Arizona Court of Appeals in 2017. Cruz’s rural background, combined with her trial court experience, positions her as a compelling successor to Justice Brutinel, a former trial judge and advocate for rural perspectives.
Notable Endorsements:
Krista Carman, Associate Presiding Judge, Yavapai County: Carman described Cruz as the perfect candidate to fill Brutinel’s seat, emphasizing her understanding of rural communities and trial courts. “Without the trial court voice on the Supreme Court, there is an essential element missing,” she wrote.
Stacy Rupprecht Jane, Director of Innovation for Justice, University of Arizona: Jane highlighted Cruz’s dedication to equity and her leadership in access-to-justice initiatives.
Judge Samuel Thumma, Arizona Court of Appeals: Thumma praised Cruz’s leadership and commitment to improving the legal system.
Strengths:
Deep understanding of rural and trial court challenges.
Significant contributions to access-to-justice reforms and judicial education.
A history of collaborative leadership on judicial committees.
Potential Weakness:
Critics may view her focus on judicial reform and access to justice as less traditional compared to appellate-heavy experience.
Nicole Davis: A Versatile Legal Leader
Nicole Davis, the Deputy Director, General Counsel & Chief Governance Officer for Arizona DES, has earned praise for her diverse legal career, ranging from private practice to high-level government service. Her calm professionalism and ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory issues have won her endorsements from legal peers and government officials.
Notable Endorsements:
Barry Mitchell, Partner, Mitchell Stein Carey Chapman: Mitchell called Davis “tough but fair” and highlighted her mastery of regulatory and criminal issues.
Byron Mason, Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Mason credited Davis for leading trauma-informed emergency management programs with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).
Stacy Gabriel, Employment Attorney, Scottsdale: Gabriel praised Davis for maintaining professionalism during contentious litigation.
Strengths:
Extensive legal experience in government and private practice.
Known for de-escalating high-stakes disputes and finding practical solutions.
Respected for her work in trauma-informed legal initiatives.
Potential Weakness:
Charles Ryan’s Endorsement: Davis received public support from former Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan, whose tenure was marked by allegations of inhumane prison conditions. Ryan was also arrested in 2022 on aggravated assault and weapons charges following a standoff with police. While his endorsement reflects his professional interactions with Davis, both his tenure and his arrest remain controversial.
Andrew Jacobs: Hobbs’ First Judicial Appointee
Andrew Jacobs, a Harvard Law graduate, was Governor Hobbs’ first judicial appointment in 2023. Known for his intellect and extensive appellate experience, Jacobs previously argued over 60 appeals and co-edited the Arizona Appellate Handbook. Despite being a finalist for multiple vacancies under Ducey, Jacobs was never appointed during that administration.
Notable Endorsements:
Elizabeth Sperling, Attorney: Sperling described Jacobs as “the smartest person I’ve ever met,” emphasizing his mentorship and expertise.
State Bar Presidents: Five former presidents of the State Bar of Arizona highlighted his leadership in procedural reforms and access to justice.
Judge Samuel Thumma, Arizona Court of Appeals: Thumma applauded Jacobs’ attention to detail and dedication to improving the legal system.
Strengths:
Renowned for appellate expertise and intellectual rigor.
Strong record of procedural reform and pro bono advocacy.
Respected as a mentor and legal thinker.
Potential Weakness:
Limited trial court experience, which some argue makes him less relatable to litigants. Though it wasn’t much of an issue to get him on the appellate court.
Regina Nassen: Ethics Expert and Government Law Veteran
Regina Nassen has built her career on ethical leadership and government law, earning respect across Arizona’s legal community. Her work on the Arizona State Bar’s Ethics Manual and commitment to improving workplace fairness stand out.
Notable Endorsements:
José A. Cárdenas, Senior University Advisor, ASU: Cárdenas called Nassen “a pillar of ethical standards” and emphasized her mentorship.
Amelia Craig Cramer, Former Pima County Chief Deputy Attorney: Cramer praised Nassen’s courage in confronting workplace misconduct and her deep dedication to justice.
Strengths:
Known statewide as an ethics expert with extensive legal knowledge.
Longstanding commitment to mentoring and workplace equity.
Significant experience in government law.
Potential Weakness:
A lower public profile compared to other candidates may be perceived as a lack of influence or visibility.
Alexander Samuels: Tribal Justice Advocate
Alexander Samuels brings unique expertise in tribal justice and violent crimes, making him a distinct contender. His background includes prosecutorial work in Indian Country and leadership on tribal reentry programs.
Notable Endorsements:
Former Chief U.S. Probation Officer: Praised Samuels for his fairness and commitment to justice in underserved communities.
Former U.S. Attorney Colleagues: Highlighted his balanced approach to prosecution and collaboration on high-profile cases.
Strengths:
Unique focus on tribal justice and marginalized communities.
Respected for fairness, collaboration, and judicial temperament.
Potential Weakness:
Lack of high-profile endorsements or significant appellate experience compared to other finalists.
Samuels is also the youngest of the nominees and being a finalist will likely garner him more attention down the line for a future appointment if he isn’t picked this year.
A Historic Decision
As predicted by Fourth Estate 48 months ago, Cruz is seen as the frontrunner for this appointment, with her rural background and trial court experience making her an ideal successor to Justice Brutinel. Davis and Jacobs also present compelling cases, though public perception and professional associations may influence Hobbs’ decision. With just days left before the February 7 deadline, Arizona’s legal and political community is watching closely.
Will Hobbs appoint the first Dem to the bench since 2003 (Scott Bales) or will she surprise everyone with one of the two independent choices (Davis, Nassen)?
Sound off in the comments!