Justice Samuel Alito retired from the U.S. Supreme Court Monday, ending a two-decade tenure in which he anchored the court's conservative wing on abortion, gun rights, and religious liberty.
Alito, 76, wrote the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade — the most consequential Supreme Court ruling in a generation.
The retirement hands President Trump a second vacancy on the nine-member court, following the earlier appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Trump is expected to move quickly. A shortlist of candidates is already under review at the White House, sources told the Wail.
Senate Republicans hold a 53-seat majority, giving them the votes to confirm a nominee without Democratic support under current rules. Senate Democrats have signaled they will force floor debate and use every procedural tool available to slow or block confirmation.
Alito was appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed in January 2006 by a 58-42 Senate vote.
A White House announcement on a nominee is expected within weeks. Senate Judiciary Committee hearings are likely to follow by late summer.