President Joe Biden has followed through on his campaign promise of nominating a Black woman to become a Supreme Court Justice. According to The New York Times, Biden has nominated 51-year-old Ketanji Brown Jackson. Once approved by the Senate, Brown Jackson would become the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice in the court's 232-year history.
With her confirmation, not only will Jackson be the first Black woman appointed, but it would make it the first time four women have sat on the court at the same time. She will also serve as the third Black justice in history.
Jackson’s nomination comes after Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, announced his retirement in January 2022. He served 27 years on the court. Both Breyer and Jackson align politically as progressives.
Jackson currently serves on D.C.'s federal appellate court, a position Biden appointed her to. According to CNN, she received and accepted Biden's offer for the Supreme Court in a call Thursday night. Officials familiar with the nomination process told the outlet that Biden studied Jackson for over a year and was impressed by her progress from federal public defender to federal appellate judge. She has worked in the legal system since the start of her career, serving as a law clerk for several judges, including Breyer, before becoming a federal judge in 2013. Her background is that she is the daughter of two public school teachers and administrators.
"President Biden sought a candidate with exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character and unwavering dedication to the rule of law," the senior official told CNN.
Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised President Biden's selection of Jackson as his Supreme Court nominee.
“In nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, President Biden has chosen a widely respected jurist who will bring to the Court one of the sharpest legal minds in a generation, an unyielding commitment to justice and a strong voice for American values," Pelosi said in a statement. "This is a moment of great pride and patriotism for our nation, as Judge Jackson makes history as the first Black woman selected to serve on the highest court in the land."
Across the country, people reacted with joy to Jackson’s nomination.
According to the Associated Press, Jackson has even garnered GOP support, having been confirmed for the Court of Appeals by South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, Maine’s Susan Collins, and Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski. Through marriage, Jackson is related to former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.
Congratulations Ketanji Brown Jackson! Here’s to the country working to diversify its panel of justices. We cannot wait until your nomination is confirmed!