Martin Gonzalez Sworn in as Imperial County Superior Court Judge

-Editorial

Martin Gonzalez was sworn in as a judge of the Imperial County Superior Court during a special ceremony Thursday, Oct. 22, marking a new chapter in his legal career and filling a judicial vacancy created by the elevation of former Superior Court Judge Eran Marie Bermúdez to the California Court of Appeal.

Gonzalez was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom after serving in several positions within the county’s legal system, including as a court referee, prosecutor, and private attorney.

Before his appointment, Gonzalez had served as a referee at the Imperial County Superior Court since 2022, overseeing judicial proceedings and handling matters assigned to him under California law.

From 2017 to 2022, Gonzalez worked as a deputy district attorney at the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, where his responsibilities included prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state.

Earlier in his career, he practiced law as an associate at Walker & Driskill from 2009 to 2017, gaining experience in private legal practice.

Gonzalez earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He is registered without party preference.

His appointment fills the vacancy left by Bermúdez, who was elevated to the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One, based in San Diego.

Bermúdez was sworn in Aug. 22 as an associate justice of the appellate court following her nomination by Newsom to replace retiring Justice Richard D. Huffman.

Her appointment was confirmed in May after receiving approval from the Commission on Judicial Appointments. The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation unanimously rated Bermúdez as “exceptionally well qualified” for the appellate position.

Bermúdez served on the Imperial County Superior Court from 2018 until her elevation in 2026. During her tenure, fellow judges elected her presiding judge, making her the first Latina to hold that leadership position in the county’s judicial system.

In 2025, the California Supreme Court appointed Bermúdez as a special master in proceedings initiated by the Commission on Judicial Performance, an independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity.

Her elevation to the appellate court created an opening on the Imperial County Superior Court bench, which Gonzalez was subsequently appointed to fill.

The California Superior Courts serve as the state’s trial courts, handling criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law disputes, probate matters, juvenile cases, and other legal proceedings.

Superior Court judges oversee cases, interpret applicable laws, rule on motions, and ensure judicial proceedings comply with constitutional and procedural requirements.

Under California law, Superior Court judges generally serve six-year terms, although appointed judges must participate in the electoral process according to the timing and requirements established by state law.

Later this year, Benjamin Salorio, who won the June 2026 election, is expected to be sworn in as an Imperial County Superior Court judge, making him the newest member of the court.