Friday, February 20, 2026

Will We See a Supreme Court Vacancy (or Two) This Summer?

 The potential for Supreme Court vacancies has become a hot topic in Washington, D. C., especially with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas nearing retirement age. This summary explores the implications of these vacancies on the political landscape.

• Alito, 75, and Thomas, 77, are both long-serving justices, prompting speculation about their retirement. Their ages and notable milestones in service add to the speculation, as seen with Alito releasing a book soon.

• Both justices are considered strong conservative influences on the court and would likely want to be succeeded by like-minded individuals.

• The current Republican Senate majority is 53-47, but there is a possibility that Democrats could regain the Senate, which would affect future Supreme Court nominations.

• If Republicans lose the Senate and both justices retire, they risk losing the chance to nominate strong conservative candidates, as the Democrats could stall any nominations.

• The Republicans have a poor record with Supreme Court nominations historically, which raises concerns about the quality of potential replacements.

• Despite this, there are promising conservative nominees currently in lower courts.

With significant political stakes, Justice Thomas and Alito face pressure on the timing of possible retirements. A September confirmation fight could energize Republican voters ahead of the November elections. The situation remains crucial for the future of the Supreme Court and its ideological balance. 

https://spectator.org/will-we-see-a-supreme-court-vacancy-or-two-this-summer/

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