U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announces retirement

On Thursday, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer submitted a letter to President Joe Biden informing of his intent to retire.

The Democratic justice was nominated by President Bill Clinton has served as a justice since 1994.

“I enormously appreciate the privilege of serving as part of the federal judicial system,” Breyer wrote. “I have found the work challenging and meaningful. My relations with each of my colleagues have been warm and friendly. Throughout, I have been aware of the great honor of participating as a judge in the effort to maintain our Constitution and the rule of law.”

Breyer’s retirement gives Biden the opportunity to nominate his first Supreme Court justice and reinforce the high court’s liberal minority. 

The president has committed to nominate a Black woman to succeed Breyer and said Thursday he will announce his nominee by the end of February.