Conservative US Supreme Court justices Thomas and Alito in spotlight after Democratic landslide

A Democratic landslide in US midterm elections has sparked renewed speculation about how long Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas, 78, and Samuel Alito, 76, will remain on the bench. Democrats will take control of Congress starting January 3, strengthening their ability to block future Trump judicial nominees, similar to Republicans’ obstruction of Barack Obama in 2016. While Thomas has not signaled any desire to step down, Alito said last month he plans to stay through the current nine-month term that began in October. Reuters reports neither justice responded immediately about retirement plans. The court’s 6-3 conservative majority—shaped by three Trump appointees—faces questions about continuity.