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Gov. Newsom Nominates 3 Black Women Judges to Serve on State Courts of Appeal

August 26, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom has nominated three Black women to serve on the state's Courts of Appeal as part of a broader slate of judicial appointments. Justice Rashida Adams received a nomination for presiding justice of the Second District's Division Three, while Judges Denise Hippach and Juliet Macaulay were nominated as associate justices in different appellate divisions. The three women, who have diverse legal backgrounds including prior service as superior court judges and experience in various government legal positions, are among eight appellate court nominees and nine superior court appointments announced by the governor.

Who is affected

  • Justice Rashida Adams, Judge Denise Hippach, and Judge Juliet Macaulay (the three Black women nominated to appellate courts)
  • Five additional appellate court nominees (David Sapp, Judge Lauri Damrell, Judges Marsha Amin, Lisa Rodriguez, and Judge Frederick Chung)
  • Nine Superior Court appointees across five California counties (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Sonoma, and San Francisco)
  • Retired Justice Lee Edmon (whom Adams would succeed)
  • California voters (who must confirm Adams' appointment in the November 3 general election)
  • The Commission on Judicial Appointments (responsible for confirming appellate nominations)

What action is being taken

  • No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article beyond the nominations and appointments that have been announced.

Why it matters

  • This matters because it increases representation of Black women in California's appellate court system, which plays a crucial role in reviewing lower court decisions and interpreting state law. The appointments also fill important judicial vacancies across multiple districts and counties in California's court system, ensuring the continued functioning of the state's judiciary. The significance is further underscored by the seniority of Adams' nomination as presiding justice, which represents a leadership position in the appellate court system.

What's next

  • The appellate nominations require confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments
  • Adams' term would begin January 4, 2027, subject to voter confirmation in the November 3 general election

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Gov. Newsom Nominates 3 Black Women Judges to Serve on State Courts of Appeal