Demand Justice Statement on Justice Breyer’s Retirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2022

CONTACT: [email protected]

DEMAND JUSTICE STATEMENT ON JUSTICE BREYER’S RETIREMENT

WASHINGTON, DC—Demand Justice Executive Director Brian Fallon released the following statement following news that Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will retire, giving President Biden the opportunity to fulfill his promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court:

“It is a relief that President Biden will get the opportunity to choose the next justice on the Supreme Court while the Senate is in Democratic hands. Justice Breyer’s retirement is coming not a moment too soon, but now we must make sure our party remains united in support of confirming his successor.

“Confirming Justice Breyer’s successor will not break the Republican chokehold on the Supreme Court and it is not a substitute for structural reform, but it will break an important barrier and bring needed diversity to the Court.

“President Biden has many highly-qualified candidates to consider, but we hope he takes this opportunity to not only make good on his commitment to increase the Court’s racial diversity, but also his vision for professional diversity. 

“Whomever he selects, we know that the bad-faith attacks are coming from Republicans. We are prepared to counter the tired attacks Republicans always trot out against women of color who have stood up for equal justice. We are confident Biden’s nominee will be installed before the October term.”

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