Supreme Court’s New Term Gives Thomas and Alito Fresh Chances to Push the Law Right

The US Supreme Court opens a new term on Monday, and its two oldest and most conservative justices, Clarence Thomas, 78, and Samuel Alito, 76, have major openings to move the law further right. The court has held a 6-3 conservative majority since 2020, and both men now sit at the center of it. Experts say neither seems eager to retire, since they have waited years for this kind of power. Alito told reporters he thought about retiring this year but believes he can still contribute, and he is back for another term.

Key Cases on Guns, Religion and Voting

The docket includes a Nov. 3 challenge to a Colorado law requiring taxpayer-funded preschools to enroll children of same-sex couples. On Dec. 2, the court hears whether states can ban AR-15s and similar rifles, a chance for Thomas to clarify his Bruen test. On Dec. 8, it considers Arizona’s proof-of-citizenship rule for voter registration. A Texas Ten Commandments law and two immigration cases may also arrive.

Trump’s Praise for Thomas and Alito

Both justices backed every major Trump policy that reached the court last term, unlike Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett, whom Trump now says he regrets nominating. He called Thomas and Alito “legends.” Alito denies being a rubber stamp.