Liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is facing calls from fellow liberals to retire, fueled by concerns that her continued tenure could open the door for a Republican president to appoint a conservative successor. The pressure to step down comes as some liberals recall the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020, which allowed then-President Donald Trump to strengthen the court’s conservative majority with the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
CNN commentator Josh Barrow is the latest to advocate for Sotomayor’s retirement, emphasizing the importance of taking a long-term perspective given the lifetime appointment nature of Supreme Court justices. The worry among liberals is that delaying retirement could jeopardize the chance for a Democratic president to appoint a successor, particularly if Democrats lose control of the Senate.
The push for Sotomayor’s retirement gained momentum after she expressed frustration and weariness in her role during a recent speech to law students. Critics argue that justices like Sotomayor and Elena Kagan should retire sooner to prevent their seats from falling into Republican hands, potentially leading to a more conservative-leaning Supreme Court. Despite the mounting pressure, Sotomayor seems hesitant to step down, underscoring the profound impact the court has on the country.
