"Once an outlier on the nation's highest court, Justice Clarence Thomas has become a towering figure in the conservative legal movement over the last decade as he helped secure landmark rulings on abortion, voting and Second Amendment rights."
"The only justice with a longer tenure is liberal William O. Douglas. Thomas would overtake Douglas in 2028 if he remains on the court - and there's no sign he plans to retire anytime soon."
"Following the appointment of three conservative justices by Republican President Donald Trump, Thomas is now the most senior member of a supermajority that's also overturned abortion as a constitutional right, ended affirmative action in college admissions and sharply limited the Voting Rights Act."
"Thomas' seniority means he can decide who writes an opinion if he's part of a majority that doesn't include Chief Justice John Roberts, a factor that can nudge other votes behind closed doors, Karlan said."
Clarence Thomas reached a milestone on the Supreme Court, becoming the second-longest serving justice in history. Over the past decade, he has become a central figure in the conservative legal movement, contributing to landmark rulings on abortion, voting, and Second Amendment rights. His tenure is only longer for William O. Douglas, and Thomas could surpass Douglas in 2028 if he remains on the court. He has shown increased participation in oral arguments and has authored major opinions expanding Second Amendment protections. After Trump appointed three conservative justices, Thomas became the most senior member of a conservative supermajority that overturned abortion as a constitutional right, ended affirmative action in college admissions, and limited the Voting Rights Act. His seniority can also influence who writes opinions when the majority excludes Chief Justice John Roberts.
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