Recent Democratic gains in the 2026 midterms, giving the party Senate control starting January 2027, have reduced prospects for a Supreme Court vacancy this year. Justices Clarence Thomas, age 78, and Samuel Alito, age 76, the oldest members, have publicly signaled continuity, with Alito stating he intends to serve through the current term ending in June 2027. No health-related announcements or retirement plans have emerged in recent weeks, and analysts note that lame-duck retirements remain unlikely given procedural norms and the short window remaining in 2026. Younger justices face even lower near-term succession risk. These factors underpin trader consensus that no vacancy will occur before year-end.