Clarence Thomas
Appointed by George H.W. Bush
Confirmed in 1991
Biography
Justice Thomas has served on the Supreme Court since 1991, making him the longest-serving current justice. He is known for his originalist interpretation of the Constitution.
Ideology Score
Very Conservative
Based on Martin-Quinn Score Analysis
About Martin-Quinn Scores
Martin-Quinn scores measure judicial ideology based on voting patterns. Negative scores indicate liberal voting patterns, while positive scores indicate conservative patterns. The scale typically ranges from -4 to +4.
Years on Court
35
Since 1991
Appointed By
George H.W. Bush
1991
Notable Rulings
McDonald v. Chicago
2010
Concurred that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local governments.
Read OpinionDobbs v. Jackson Women's Health
2022
Concurred, arguing that substantive due process precedents should be reconsidered.
Read OpinionNew York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen
2022
Struck down New York's concealed carry permit law, expanding gun rights.
Read OpinionStudents for Fair Admissions v. Harvard
2023
Concurred in striking down affirmative action in college admissions.
Read OpinionCareer Path
Missouri
Senator John Danforth (R-MO)
Dept. of Education
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States · 1991–Present
⚠️ Controversies & Allegations (5)
Harlan Crow Real Estate & Luxury Gifts ($4M+)
ProPublica revealed Thomas accepted over $4M in undisclosed luxury travel and gifts from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow, including private jet trips, superyacht voyages, and private school tuition for Thomas's grandnephew. Crow also purchased Thomas's mother's home.
Source: ProPublica, April 2023
Anthony Welters Private Jet Flights (Unreported)
Additional unreported private jet travel from health care executive Anthony Welters, who had business before the federal government.
Source: ProPublica, 2023
Ginni Thomas January 6th Texts
Thomas's wife Virginia 'Ginni' Thomas sent texts urging White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to overturn the 2020 election. Thomas refused to recuse himself from Jan. 6-related cases.
Source: Washington Post, 2022
Anita Hill Confirmation Hearing
Anita Hill testified under oath that Thomas sexually harassed her while she was his employee at the EEOC. Thomas denied all allegations and was confirmed 52–48.
Source: Senate Judiciary Committee, 1991
20+ Years of Unreported Gifts
Thomas failed to report Harlan Crow gifts on required financial disclosure forms for over two decades, in apparent violation of federal disclosure law.
Source: ProPublica, 2023
Financial Disclosures
Annual financial disclosure reports as required by the Ethics in Government Act.