Clarence Thomas Waited 30 Years for Court That Thinks Like Him

Clarence Thomas’ quest to cement conservative principles into U.S. Supreme Court precedent could soon pay off, as he marks his 30th anniversary as a justice.

Thomas, 73, who isn’t shy about dissenting alone when he thinks the court got it wrong, may see some of those dissents transformed into majorities on a court where ascendant conservatives now hold a 6-3 majority.

Even those who don’t agree with Thomas’ approach to the law acknowledge that his influence is rising as the court prepares to consider cases ranging from abortion to guns.

“There are instances where yesterday’s radical views become today’s mainstream ...