Clarence Thomas Becomes Second-Longest Serving US Supreme Court Justice

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, now 77, has moved into second place on the court’s tenure list, surpassing Justice John Paul Stevens. With more than 34 years of service since his 1991 appointment by President George H. W. Bush, Thomas is now only behind Justice William O. Douglas and could become the longest‑serving Justice by 2028.

Thomas is noted for his originalist approach, which has shaped key rulings such as the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. He has consistently argued for state authority over abortion regulation and has championed expanded Second Amendment rights and religious liberty. He has not indicated any plans to retire.

His lengthy tenure reinforces a shift toward originalist jurisprudence on the nation’s highest court.