Chicago – May 07, 2026
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has become the second-longest-serving justice in American history, surpassing Stephen J. Field after more than 34 years on the bench, according to multiple reports. Thomas, appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, now trails only Justice William O. Douglas in total tenure and could break that record in 2028 if he remains on the court.
Thomas’s rise marks another milestone in a career that has helped reshape the modern Supreme Court. Once known for his silence during oral arguments, he has emerged as a central figure in the court’s conservative wing, influencing major rulings on abortion, gun rights and voting-related issues.
The milestone also underscores Thomas’s longevity during an era of dramatic change on the bench. At 77, he remains the court’s longest-serving current justice and has given no indication that he plans to retire soon.
