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Alito: ‘I thought about’ retiring at end of last term
Current plan
Alito said he had considered retiring at the end of the previous Supreme Court term but ultimately decided to remain. He now intends to serve through the term that began in October and runs until June 2027.
What it means
The comments reduce the likelihood of an announcement during the current term, while leaving open the possibility of a later departure. Alito, 76, said he believes he can still make a valuable contribution to the court.
Political stakes
A retirement would give President Donald Trump an opportunity to nominate another justice, potentially reshaping the court’s conservative majority. The timing would also affect the political feasibility of confirmation.
What comes next
Alito said he will reconsider retirement in 2027. Prediction markets currently place more weight on a possible announcement by June 2027 than by the end of 2026, but neither outcome represents a clear majority expectation.