CAPAC Members Applaud the Confirmation of Goodwin Liu to the California Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Professor Goodwin H. Liu was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court after being unanimously confirmed by a three-member panel of the California Commission on Judicial Appointments.  In August, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) sent a letter to the Committee on Judicial Appointments supporting Liu’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.  CAPAC Members issued the following statements congratulating Professor Liu on his confirmation.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I applaud Governor Jerry Brown, the California Commission on Judicial Appointments, and the California Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission for their commitment to running a fair and timely selection process in confirming Goodwin Liu to the California Supreme Court.  I am pleased to congratulate Goodwin on his well deserved confirmation.  He was an exceptionally accomplished and well qualified nominee, and I know he will make an excellent addition to the court.”

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “I congratulate Goodwin Liu on his confirmation to the Supreme Court, a move which positions California as a front runner in judicial diversity, an area of critical concern for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, of which I am chair emeritus.  Goodwin is a personal friend and leader in my home state of California, and I have worked with him for many years, particularly in ensuring access and equity in our education system.  Not only has he been a leader in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, he has proven himself in the legal profession as well, with support from renowned legal minds from a diversity of ideological backgrounds.  Goodwin is an excellent pick for California and as an acclaimed education and constitutional law scholar, he will undoubtedly add immense value to the Court under the leadership of Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-09), CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Chair: “I am pleased that UC Berkeley law Professor Goodwin Liu was confirmed and sworn in as a Justice of the California Supreme Court.  I know he will make an excellent and impartial judge.”   

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05): “I am incredibly happy that Goodwin has been confirmed to the California Supreme Court.  Goodwin is a renowned legal scholar, an award‐winning teacher, and a respected lawyer with rich experience in both government and private practice.  I have personally known Goodwin for a number of years and I know that he has both the temperament and the intellect to be an excellent jurist.  As Sacramento’s then Representative in Congress, my late husband, Robert T. Matsui, sponsored Goodwin as a Congressional page.  Goodwin’s experience working in Congress and connection to my husband inspired him to pursue public service and a career in law.  Throughout the years, I have gotten to know Goodwin and his family and have seen his dedication to the law, his students, his family, and to our great state.  He will make a remarkable Supreme Court Justice for our state.”

Rep. Laura Richardson (CA-37): “I congratulate Goodwin Liu on his confirmation to the California Supreme Court.  While I was disappointed that Senate Republicans filibustered his nomination for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District, I am pleased that the California Supreme Court will be the benefactor of Liu’s experience and distinguished career.  I join my fellow colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus in commending Goodwin Liu on his confirmation.” 

Professor Liu is a nationally recognized education and constitutional law scholar at the University of California Berkeley School of Law.  He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his law degree from Yale University School of Law.  Liu is the son of Taiwanese immigrants, and is the court's fourth Asian American justice.  CAPAC is proud to have supported Professor Liu's nomination and looks forward to his tenure on the California Supreme Court.

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.