Staff Reports
Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is supporting his former colleague, Sonia Sotomayor, as she faces calls from the left to step down. Some liberals have voiced apprehensions regarding her well-being and the potential for her to be succeeded by a justice with more conservative views.
Breyer, who is 85 years old, described Sotomayor, 69 years old and diabetic, as a “spring chicken.” He emphasized that it is up to Judge Sotomayor to decide on her future in court. The former justice highlighted that age did not hinder his ability to serve as he retired at 83.
“I think anybody can say what he wants, you know. And I was 83 years old, just about I think, when I retired. But Justice Sotomayor is not, she is a spring chicken,” Breyer told Fox News host Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday.” #SotomayorStaying https://t.co/8QDPlysVAb
— Gerson Borrero (@GersonBorrero) April 29, 2024
The left is worried about losing more control of the Supreme Court, especially after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020, which allowed then-President Trump to select her replacement. With the possibility of Democrats losing the Senate this year, Sotomayor is pressured to step down.
Some liberal voices have called for Sotomayor’s retirement, with concerns about maintaining a balance on the court. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has advised Sotomayor to consider her mortality, but he has not received widespread support from his party.
Breyer’s comments reflect a conservative perspective on the situation. He believes the retirement decision should be left to the individual justice and that age should not be a defining factor in their ability to serve on the court. The discussion surrounding Sotomayor’s potential retirement showcases the ongoing political battle for control over the Supreme Court.
