Statement Issued by Governor Newsom following the Stepping Down of California Supreme Court Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye

Following Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye of the California Supreme Court’s announcement that she will not run for re-election and that her term will conclude on January 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement:
 
“In her more than decade-long tenure leading California’s judicial branch, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye has steered our state’s courts through times of great challenge and opportunity, championing important reforms to make our justice system fairer and more transparent, and expanding equal access to justice for all Californians.
 
“Born and raised in Sacramento by farmworker parents, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye learned early on the importance of knowing your rights and pushing back against injustice. She served with distinction at every level of the state courts before breaking barriers as the first person of color and the second woman to serve as the state’s chief justice. 
 
“A fierce defender of access to the courts, she fought against immigrant enforcement raids at courthouses targeting vulnerable victims and witnesses of crime. During the pandemic, her tireless efforts modernized operations and expanded access to services at California’s courts, while retaining jobs and safe in-person access for those who need it. Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye has been a leading voice for bail reform, calling out its disproportionate impacts on low-income people, and has raised awareness about the unfair financial hardships caused by fines and fees on those unable to afford them.
 
“From the wake of the Great Recession to a global pandemic, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye has led with a deep dedication to the rule of law, California values and the highest ideals of public service. On behalf of a grateful state, I thank Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye for her nearly four decades of service to the people of California and wish her well in her next chapter.”