Retirement on Arizona right-leaning high court gives Democratic governor rare chance to fill seat

Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel has announced he will retire this fall. The announcement Tuesday gives Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs a rare opportunity to fill a seat on the Republican-dominated court. Brutinel’s retirement is effective Oct. 31, capping off more than four decades as a lawyer and judge in Arizona. Brutinel was appointed to the court by former Republican Gov. Jan Brewer in 2009. A Hobbs spokesperson said the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments must provide Hobbs with a list of candidates to replace Brutinel by the end of the year. The governor then would have 60 days to make a selection.