Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito plans to remain on bench

United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has told close allies that he has no plans to step down from the court. The Daily Mail reported that the 76 year old conservative justice will not retire early to allow Republicans to quickly confirm a replacement before Democratic election gains take effect in January. [1]

A Democratic sweep in the Senate will give the party the ability to filibuster potential judicial nominees once they take control in two months, according to the Daily Mail. This outcome limits the power of President Donald Trump to appoint conservative successors to the high court. [1][8][9][10][11]

A continued Republican majority would have allowed the administration to potentially replace aging conservative members of the court. Alongside Justice Alito, 78 year old Clarence Thomas has been the subject of heightened attention following the election results, according to the Daily Mail, MS NOW, Yahoo, and Reuters. [1][8][9][11]

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest tribunal in the federal judiciary. It holds ultimate appellate jurisdiction over federal court cases and state court cases that involve questions of federal or constitutional law. [13]