A veteran Santa Clara County prosecutor will take office as judge a few weeks early after Gov. Gavin Newsom gave her an interim appointment Friday.

Johnene Stebbins won election in November to the seat held by retiring Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Vincent Chiarello. Stebbins defeated fellow prosecutor Jay Boyarsky 57% to 43% for a six-year term starting in January. Newsom's appointment allows her to take office sooner.