Nydia Velázquez criticizes the pressure on Sonia Sotomayor to consider resigning from the Supreme Court

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Washington DC – Democratic Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (New York) has spoken out against a campaign aimed at pressuring Sonia Sotomayor, the only Latina on the United States Supreme Court, to resign in order to allow President Joe Biden to appoint a younger person before the upcoming November elections.

Velázquez specifically condemned comments made by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut), who suggested that Sotomayor should consider stepping down. Blumenthal stated, “cemeteries are full of indispensable people, including ourselves in this organization,” during an interview with NBC.

In response to Blumenthal’s remarks, Velázquez warned that forcing Sotomayor to retire would not guarantee a return to a liberal majority on the court. She urged Senator Blumenthal to reconsider his stance and not give up on the possibility of winning in the upcoming elections.

The campaign advocating for Sotomayor’s resignation cites concerns about a potential health issue forcing her to leave office in the next four years, potentially allowing a Republican president and Senate to reshape the Supreme Court. This fear stems from the appointment of conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020.

Sotomayor, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009, is approaching her 70th birthday and has a history of diabetes. Despite acknowledging that Sotomayor is currently “fully functioning,” Blumenthal emphasized the importance of judges considering the national interest in ensuring that the Supreme Court reflects the diversity of America.

While some have called for Sotomayor to assess her future on the court, others, like Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (Rhode Island), have rejected the idea. Molly Coleman, executive director of the People’s Parity Project, emphasized that the discussion is about what is best for the country moving forward.

The debate over Sotomayor’s potential resignation highlights the broader issue of the ideological balance on the Supreme Court and the impact it could have on future decisions. velazquez’s advocacy for Sotomayor to remain on the bench underscores the importance of diverse representation on the highest court in the land.