On this date in 1991, Clarence Thomas was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush to replace retiring Justice Thurgood Marshall. His nomination led to a highly contentious confirmation process, including televised hearings that focused on allegations of sexual harassment made by Anita Hill, a former colleague.
Despite the controversy, Thomas was confirmed by the Senate on October 15, 1991, in a 52-48 vote, one of the closest Supreme Court confirmation votes in history. He went on to become one of the Court’s most conservative justices, known for his originalist approach to constitutional interpretation.
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