Biden taps Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Supreme Court justice

The White House and President Joe Biden confirmed Biden plans to nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Supreme Court justice. In a tweet, Biden described Jackson as “one of our nation’s brightest legal minds” and said she “will be an exceptional justice.”

“Judge Jackson is an exceptionally qualified nominee as well as an historic nominee, and the Senate should move forward with a fair and timely hearing and confirmation,” the White House said in a news release.

On Twitter, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) said the committee will “begin immediately” to move forward on the nomination, calling Jackson an “extraordinary nominee.” Senators have set a tentative goal of confirmation by April 8. Hearings could start as soon as mid-March.

According to the White House release, Jackson has served the following roles:

• Federal appellate judge
• Federal district court judge
• Member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission
• Private practice attorney
• Federal public defender

If nominated, Jackson would be the first former public defender to reach the high court. She would also fulfill a Biden campaign promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

“It’s long overdue, in my view,” Biden said last month, when Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement. “I made that commitment during the campaign for president, and I will keep that commitment.”

Jackson would take over Justice Breyer’s spot in the liberal minority on the Supreme Court if her nomination is approved in the Senate. Jackson actually has a history with Breyer, working as a law clerk for Breyer early in her career.

“Biden sought a candidate with exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law,” the White House said. “He also sought a nominee—much like Justice Breyer—who is wise, pragmatic, and has a deep understanding of the Constitution as an enduring charter of liberty.”