Cenzon currently presides over civil, criminal, domestic, and probate dockets. Prior to her appointment to the bench in 2012, Judge Cenzon served as chief legal counsel to then-Gov. Eddie Calvo. Prior to her stint in the executive branch, she worked as the director of Policy, Planning & Community Relations for the Unified Judiciary of Guam.
Before going into government service, she was in private practice and counseled large local and international corporations as well as some of the government of Guam’s largest agencies.
Her nomination requires U.S. Senate confirmation.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, a Democrat, voiced disappointment in the process that led to the White House announcement.
“We have nothing but respect for any person nominated to serve in such an important capacity. Unfortunately, given the waning hours of the current [Trump] administration, we were not a part of the normal consultation process associated with other judicial nominees in the past and that’s important for the People of Guam,” she stated. “With the upcoming holiday recess, a Senate majority up for grabs, and a coming Presidential transition, we hope that all critical decisions involving Guam are addressed deliberately and without the rush associated with an outgoing administration.”
In contrast, the Republican Party of Guam is “elated,” according to a press release.
Cenzon “is a woman of integrity who will bring her profound professionalism to the federal district court, as well as her legal experience in both the public and private sectors,” the local GOP stated in the release.
“She not only served as chief legal counsel to Governor Calvo prior to the appointment, but has also practiced law for 17 years, primarily in private practice,” the party stated.
Cenzon is a mother of two and the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines. She was born and raised on Guam. Upon her graduation from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, Cenzon completed her undergraduate studies at Marquette University, and then later earned her law degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, the press release stated.
“This nomination not only serves as an honored milestone in the career of Judge Cenzon, but evidences a noble accomplishment for her family who have embraced such words as hard work, sacrifice, education and dedication over the years,” the Republican Party stated.
“The Republican Party of Guam congratulates Judge Cenzon and her family, and urges the United States Senate to expeditiously confirm her nomination, so that another daughter of Guam can proudly serve the island community and the nation on the bench of the United States District Court of Guam.”
Sarah Thomas Nededog, chairperson of the Democratic Party of Guam, also sent out a statement on the presidential nomination.
“The Democratic Party of Guam recognizes Judge Maria Cenzon for this presidential nomination and congratulates her and her family for this honor. Judge Cenzon is a daughter of Guam and, at this point, is the one nominated by the president which will go through the confirmation process in the U.S. Senate confirmation. We wish her well,” Nededog stated.
