Justice Patricia Guerrero Sworn in to California Supreme Court

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Patricia Guerrero, the first Latina justice to sit on the California Supreme Court.

Justice Guerrero will participate in the court’s next oral argument session beginning April 5.

“I never dreamed I would be here today, surrounded by all of you,” said Justice Guerrero, the daughter of Mexican immigrants who grew up in the Imperial Valley.

“Governor Newsom has described ‘California for All,’ the idea that everybody can achieve a better life, regardless of where you started out. I hope that my story and the story of my parents will serve as an example. And I hope that it will inspire others, just as I have been inspired.”

Justice Guerrero took the oath of office flanked by her husband, Joe, and sons Anthony, 15, and Christopher, 14.

“This is not just about firsts, it’s about best,” Newsom said of his historic appointment, praising Justice Guerrero’s empathy, care, compassion, hard work, and grit.

Newsom noted labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta was in the audience Monday. Huerta’s call was among the first he received after announcing Guerrero’s appointment.

California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said Guerrero’s confirmation to the court “made history for [the California Supreme Court] and the future of California.”

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye then said to Newsom: “I do want to thank you for restoring our four-female majority on the California Supreme Court,” followed by cheers from the crowd.