Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement yesterday. The announcement gives President Donald Trump a chance to cement conservative control of the nation’s highest court.
The 81-year-old Kennedy is stepping down after more than 30 years on the court. He will retire on July 31. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, and Stephen Breyer, 79, are now the two oldest members of the court. The other six justices are age 70 or younger.
Justice Kennedy was Republican Ronald Reagan’s appointee—his third choice. He has held the key vote on such high-profile issues as affirmative action, guns, campaign finance, and voting rights.
After Kennedy informed his colleagues of his plans, he went to the White House to meet with Trump to discuss a potential successor and other topics.
Trump called Kennedy a “very spectacular man.” He says the search for his replacement will begin immediately. “Hopefully we’re going to pick someone who is going to be as outstanding [as Kennedy],” Trump says.
The new vacancy is Trump’s second in less than 18 months. The last three presidents each only put two justices on the court in eight years in office.
Talk of Kennedy’s announcement will likely dominate Washington in the coming weeks. His retirement comes amid a touchy midterm election season, with Republicans clinging to a 51-49 majority in the U.S. Senate.
That majority could make the difference in a confirmation for Trump’s nominee. If all goes as usual, the vote on a new justice would land in September, just weeks before voters go to the polls—and any change in the makeup of the House or Senate.
(AP Photo: President Donald Trump, left, and Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy participate in a public swearing-in ceremony for Justice Neil Gorsuch in the Rose Garden of the White House.)
