Senate Democrats Vow Supreme Court Block

What happened

Updated Nov 5, 6:48pm ET

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer vowed to block a “right-winger” from joining the Supreme Court once Democrats take control of the Senate in January.
Justice Samuel Alito reiterated Thursday that he has no plans to retire and intends to serve through at least the current court term, ending in late June.
Some conservatives have urged Alito, 76, and Justice Clarence Thomas, 78, to retire while Republicans can still confirm younger conservative replacements.
Senate Republican leader John Thune said he would not rule out confirming a replacement before January if either justice decides to retire.
Neither justice has announced a retirement, and Schumer has not said whether Democrats would keep a vacancy open until after the 2028 presidential election.

How the left told it

Left-leaning outlets emphasized Democrats’ new power to block Trump’s court picks and conservatives’ scramble to preserve their majority. HuffPost highlighted Schumer’s pledge against a “right-winger,” while the Daily Beast described “desperate MAGA pleas” for retirements. AlterNet framed a potential blockade as Republicans’ past tactics coming back to haunt them.

How the right told it

Right-leaning outlets emphasized the narrowing window for Trump to appoint more conservative justices. Fox News highlighted Alito’s commitment to stay, while Deseret News said Republicans “may have missed their window.” The New York Post stressed that Republicans remained ready for a confirmation before January if either justice changed his mind.

Senate Democrats Vow Supreme Court Block

What happened

How the left told it

How the right told it

Democrats' Plans For Congress

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