Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has made it clear that she has no intention of stepping down, despite calls from some on the left for her to retire before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. People close to the justice have confirmed that she is in good health and believes that the court needs her presence now more than ever.
As the most senior liberal on the conservative Supreme Court, there have been suggestions from progressives that Sotomayor should retire to allow President Joe Biden to appoint a successor. However, these calls have not gained traction, with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also expressing his belief that Sotomayor should remain on the bench.
The process of nominating and confirming a Supreme Court justice is time-consuming, making it unlikely for Biden to secure a confirmation before the GOP takes control of the Senate in early January. Despite being 70 years old and living with type 1 diabetes, Sotomayor has shown no signs of slowing down. She remains an active participant in oral arguments and public appearances.
In her public statements, Sotomayor has expressed her emotional response to the court's decisions, acknowledging the frustration and trauma she feels with each loss. However, she remains committed to her role and continues to fight for justice.
