Public defender Juan Higuera has been appointed as a new judge for Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Higuera on Friday to the vacant seat created by John McGregor’s retirement.
Higuera will be sworn in to the role on Thursday at the Santa Maria Courthouse, Superior Court Executive Officer Angela Braun said.Â
Higuera, a Democrat, has worked as a Santa Barbara County deputy public defender since 2018. Before that, he worked as an attorney at Hathaway Firm and at Hager & Dowling.
He also previously worked as a deputy district attorney in Ventura County.Â
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated fairness, integrity, and a strong commitment to the rule of law,” Presiding Judge Patricia Kelly said of Higuera.
“He is ethical, hardworking, and responsible — qualities that are essential to serving both the court and the public with distinction. I am confident that he will be a valuable addition to our bench and that he will carry out his duties with the professionalism, impartiality, and dedication our community deserves.”
Higuera attended UC Santa Barbara for his undergraduate degree and California State University, San Bernardino for his teaching credential. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School.Â
His swearing-in ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. in Department 7 of the Santa Maria Courthouse at 312 E. Cook St. C. Members of the public are welcome to attend, Braun said.Â
With Higuera’s appointment, Santa Barbara County has no more judicial vacancies.
Another incoming judge is Luis Esparza, who won the June 2 election for a Superior Court seat over longtime incumbent Thomas Adams. Esparza will take the bench in January for a six-year term.Â
With few contested elections, most new judges join the Santa Barbara County Superior Court by gubernatorial appointment to fill vacancies from retirements or resignations.Â
Recent appointments include:
- Sydney Bennett, appointed in April after Michael Carrozzo’s resignation
- Teresa Martinez, appointed in May 2025 after Jean Dandona’s retirement
- Stephen Dunkle, appointed in December 2023 after Brian Hill’s retirement
- Kristy Imel, appointed in October 2023 after Arthur Garcia’s retirement
- Karen O’Neil, appointed in April 2023 after Timothy Staffel’s retirement
- Denise Hippatch, appointed in October 2022 after James Herman’s retirement
- Stephen Foley, appointed in October 2022 after James Voysey’s retirement
The list of current Superior Court judges is available here.