Justice Samuel Alito, 76, says he now weighs retirement at the end of each Supreme Court term and considered stepping down after the last term but chose to stay because he believes he can still contribute. His notable opinions include Dobbs (which overturned Roe v. Wade) and this year’s Louisiana v. Callais. Alito said partisan politics did not drive his decision and that he will reassess retirement annually rather than set a departure date.
Alito Says Retirement Is a Decision He Now Weighs Each Term — Potential Vacancy Raises Political Stakes
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 23: Associate Justice Samuel Alito sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. (Photo by Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Images)
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he now considers retirement each term and that he briefly thought about stepping down after the court's previous term but ultimately decided to remain on the bench because he believes he can still make a meaningful contribution.
Context and Key Rulings
Alito, 76, has authored or joined several high-profile conservative opinions, including the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), which overturned Roe v. Wade, and this year's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that limited the application of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana redistricting disputes. His record includes rulings with important consequences for Black voters and for reproductive-rights policy.
Political Timing
News outlets including CNBC noted the timing of Alito's comments is politically significant because Republicans currently control both the White House and the Senate. That alignment would give President Donald Trump the opportunity to nominate a successor who could be confirmed by a Senate controlled by his party if a vacancy were to arise before the next midterm election.
In a full interview with CBS News, Alito said political calculations did not drive his decision and that it is difficult to predict the political landscape or whom a future president might select as a replacement.
Alito joined the Supreme Court in 2006 after being nominated by President George W. Bush. He is the court's second-oldest member, behind Justice Clarence Thomas. Alito sits with the Court's 6-3 conservative majority.
Looking Ahead
Alito said he expects to revisit the retirement question annually rather than commit to a fixed departure date. For now, he remains on the bench as the Supreme Court begins its 2026 term.
Related coverage: A major youth voting group has endorsed three progressive Black candidates ahead of Election Day; Black voters in Baton Rouge's Scotlandville community are adapting to new realities after Louisiana redistricting; and Justice Clarence Thomas faces scrutiny as the Court takes up a major climate case.
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