Justice Samuel Alito, age 76, has publicly stated multiple times in recent months that he intends to remain on the Supreme Court through the current term ending in June or July 2027, a position he reiterated after the 2026 midterms delivered Democratic Senate control. In October interviews, he described the decision as made months earlier and noted that justices at his age review retirement annually without making long-term calculations tied to Senate majorities or presidential transitions. Post-election reports indicate he has told associates he has no immediate plans to step down during the lame-duck period, reducing the window for confirmation of a successor before January 2027. Trader sentiment in related markets reflects these direct statements alongside historical patterns of lifetime appointments and the structural barrier of Senate opposition, with limited near-term catalysts beyond scheduled term-end timing or unforeseen personal developments.