President Biden has nominated a CHamoru judge in California to be the next U.S. attorney for Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Johnny Cepeda Gogo was appointed to the Santa Clara bench in 2019 by Gov. Gavin Newsome, after many years with the county district attorney's office.

Judge Gogo was nominated by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero for the local office in 2021, and first learned of the job from Guam District Court Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood.

"She told me about the potential vacancy and she asked me if I was interested and for the first time I thought maybe I should apply," Gogo said. "The reason why I hadn't applied earlier was that I was still enjoying my career here at the D.A.'s office in Santa Clara and then I got to the bench as a judge."

According to releases from the white house and the governor's office, Gogo began his career as an assistant attorney general for the Guam attorney general's office. He was also an associate for the local law firm of Calvo and Clark before moving to Santa Clara.

Gogo prosecuted major drug cases during his time with the Santa Clara district attorney's office, which Adelup says will be a valuable asset in Guam's continuing fight against illegal drugs.

He sent a statement to KUAM, Gogo said, "I am honored and humbled to be nominated...and I look forward to the confirmation process."