Jun 14, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson as judge on powerful appeals court

Ivana Saric

The Senate voted 53-44 on Monday to confirm judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the powerful U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Why it matters: The court is often viewed as a stepping stone for the Supreme Court, and Jackson is considered a favorite to receive a nomination if a Supreme Court vacancy opens up. President Biden has promised to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Of note: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday that it is "highly unlikely" a Supreme Court nominee picked by Biden would be confirmed in 2024 if Republicans take control of the Senate.

Three Republicans senators — Lindsey Graham, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — voted with Democrats in favor of Jackson's confirmation.

The big picture: Jackson is filling a position left vacant by Merrick Garland, who served as D.C. circuit court judge prior to becoming attorney general.

Jackson graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School, where she was an editor of the law review.
She was once a clerk for Justice Stephen Breyer, the oldest justice on the Supreme Court.

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Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson as judge on powerful appeals court

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