Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed as First Black Woman on Supreme Court in U.S. History

On Thursday, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed as the first Black woman in U.S. history to join the Supreme Court.

Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the Senate session that approved her confirmation with a 53-47 vote. Supreme Court nominations only require a majority of 51 votes, and a number of Republicans including Mitt Romney supported Judge Jackson’s confirmation. The finalization of the process was slightly delayed by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul, who was not present as the final votes were tallied. 

Judge Jackson will replace Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who is due to retire in June. When Harris officially confirmed her to the Supreme Court, the Senate erupted in applause.

Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois called Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination “a glass shattering achievement for America,” ABC News noted. 

“It will be a joyous day,” added Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, per the Associated Press. “Joyous for the Senate, joyous for the Supreme Court, joyous for America.”

In February, Biden confirmed that he would nominate Judge Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court. “I’m proud to announce that I am nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court,” said Biden in a statement. “Currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, she is one of our nation’s brightest legal minds and will be an exceptional Justice.”