Kamala Harris may head to Supreme Court after election loss
Kamala Harris (Photo: Getty Images)
Kamala Harris could receive a new role following her defeat in the presidential election. She might be appointed as a US Supreme Court Justice, according to Newsweek.
Recently, attorney Bakari Sellers, who served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for eight years as a Democrat, suggested that 70-year-old liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor may retire from the Supreme Court due to health issues. This would allow President Joe Biden to nominate Harris.
Before being elected Senator, Kamala Harris served as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California. Her appointment as a Justice without prior judicial experience would be unusual but not unprecedented.
For Harris to be appointed, President Joe Biden would need to nominate her, and the Senate would need to confirm her. Currently, Democrats hold a majority in the Senate with 51 votes against 49 Republicans.
However, this balance of power is set to shift in January, as Republicans won a majority in the Senate in recent elections.
If Justice Sonia Sotomayor retires after a change in presidency, the Supreme Court seat would likely go to a conservative judge, potentially tipping the balance in the Court in favor of Republicans.
US presidential election
On November 5, the US held its presidential election. Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris by a wide margin.
Even before the official results were announced, Trump declared himself the new president, and Harris conceded defeat. The newly elected president's inauguration is scheduled for the end of January 2025.
Additionally, the Republican Party will take control of the Senate, having gained a majority. There is a strong likelihood that Republicans will also secure a majority in the House of Representatives.
More on what Ukraine can expect from Donald Trump’s presidency - in the RBC-Ukraine report.
