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Judges and Judiciary,
California Supreme Court

Feb. 17, 2026

Gov. Newsom will probably go to the appellate bench for the next SCOCA justice

Governor Gavin Newsom is almost certain to fill the California Supreme Court vacancy with a safe, experienced Court of Appeal justice--one who works quietly, avoids controversy and won't disrupt his political future.

David A. Carrillo

Executive Director
California Constitution Center at Berkeley Law.

Email: carrillo@law.berkeley.edu

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Stephen M. Duvernay

Phone: (916) 447-4900

Email: steve@benbrooklawgroup.com

Notre Dame Law School; Notre Dame IN

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Brandon V. Stracener

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Gov. Newsom will probably go to the appellate bench for the next SCOCA justice
Shutterstock

As the clock ticks away days with an empty California Supreme Court seat, all eyes turn to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Who will he appoint? How long will it take? Will it be me? On those questions we offer some perspective, and one clear answer. Considering history and the widely reported indications of the governor's future aspirations, the most likely choice is a centrist Court of Appeal justice who will ban...

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