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May 26, 2026

Newsom appellate picks confirmed despite rare opposition at hearing

The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed five appellate court nominees Friday, including a Los Angeles Superior Court judge whose confirmation drew unusual public opposition from a self-represented litigant alleging bias and retaliation.

The Commission on Judicial Appointments confirmed five of Gov. Gavin Newsom's appellate court nominees Friday, filling vacancies across four appellate districts and elevating Associate Justice Joanne Motoike to presiding justice of the 4th District Court of Appeal, Division Three in Santa Ana.

The hearings, chaired by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and Attorney General Rob Bonta, were largely routine -- except for a rare public challenge to one nominee's confirmation.

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