Maricopa County Superior Court Judge — Hon. Sunita A. Cairo retention
Maricopa County, Arizona
My vote power
Retention race
Election date
November 3, 2026 · General election
About this office
- Deciding trials in the county
- Ruling on evidence and setting sentences in criminal cases
- Deciding family, probate, and civil disputes
Affects: Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Civil Rights,
Sunita A. Cairo
Nonpartisan · Incumbent · declared
Sunita A. Cairo is a Maricopa County Superior Court judge.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 2 records
Had her rulings upheld by the Arizona Court of Appeals on July 15, 2025 in State v. Diaz. She presided over the 2024 jury trial and sentenced the defendant to 7.5 years in prison for aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon.
July 15, 2025
Source: coa1.azcourts.gov · researched September 13, 2026
Was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court by Governor Doug Ducey in October 2022. Before that, she was an Assistant Attorney General who handled health care licensing cases and appeals for the state.
October 22, 2022
Source: arizonadailyindependent.com · researched September 13, 2026
Track record — Impartiality
Impartiality · 1 favorable
Was rated as meeting judicial performance standards by the Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review in April 2026. Survey takers rated her 99% acceptable or better for impartiality and 96% for legal ability.
April 24, 2026Favorable on Impartiality
Source: jpr.azcourts.gov · researched September 13, 2026
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 1 favorable
Was rated as meeting judicial performance standards by the Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review in April 2026. Survey takers rated her 99% acceptable or better for impartiality and 96% for legal ability.
April 24, 2026Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: jpr.azcourts.gov · researched September 13, 2026
Source: jpr.azcourts.gov