Clarence Thomas, 77, to Become Second-Longest Serving Justice

Justice Clarence Thomas is set this week to become the second-longest-serving justice in US Supreme Court history, surpassing both Stephen Johnson Field and his former colleague John Paul Stevens.

Thomas, who turns 78 in June, has been the court’s leading originalist since the death of Antonin Scalia. Long known for his frequent solo dissents, he has seen many of his once-minority views gain traction as the court has shifted right, solidifying a conservative majority.

That evolution was underscored in 2022, when Thomas authored the majority opinion in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, recognizing a constitutional right to carry firearms in public.

Thomas was appointed in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush to succeed liberal justice and civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall. He joined the bench after a contentious confirmation process marked by allegations of sexual harassment during his tenure at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He was confirmed by a 52-48 vote, becoming the second Black justice in the court’s history.

Despite retirement speculation, Thomas has given no indication he plans to leave the court and both the president and Republican members of Congress have urged him to stay on. With two more years on the bench, he would surpass William O. Douglas—who served from 1939 to 1975—as the longest-tenured justice.