DENVER (KDVR) — Ketanji Brown Jackson became the newest United States Supreme Court Justice after she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Thursday afternoon.
It was a near-party line vote, but several senators did cross the aisle after making their decisions for a final vote of 53 in favor, 47 opposed.
Colorado senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, both Democrats, stayed with their party’s majority and voted in favor of confirming Brown Jackson.
Brown Jackson is now the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.
The following statements were sent to FOX31 after Brown Jackson’s confirmation:
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D)
“This is an important moment for our country. For the first time in our nation’s history, white men will no longer be the majority on the U.S. Supreme Court. For the first time, we will have four women serving on the bench – including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who will be the first black woman to ever serve on the highest court in our land. This is what progress looks like.
“Ketanji Brown Jackson is one of the most qualified justices ever nominated to serve on the Supreme Court. Through her talent and intellect, she blazed a trail that many in this country thought was impossible less than a century ago. She deserves all the credit in the world for what she has just achieved.”
Sen. Michael Bennet (D)
“Judge Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court today is a recognition of her judicial accomplishments and a victory for our highest ideals as a democracy. She has the best legal training America can offer, a decade of experience on the federal bench, and a consistent record of bipartisan support. Judge Jackson will stand for the values etched in the Constitution — freedom, equality, democracy, and the rule of law.”
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D)
“Ketanji Brown Jackson’s experience and background will make her a Supreme Court Justice who represents all Americans. She has a brilliant legal mind and a dedication to public service. But she’s also a mom and an American who cares deeply about how the law affects real people. Her confirmation will help restore faith in our justice system, and I’m proud to have helped her make history.”
Colorado Education Association
“The 39,000 members of the Colorado Education Association celebrate the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court. Her appointment and confirmation after a lifetime of dedicated public service is a testament to hard work and perseverance.
“The barriers and roadblocks to Judge Jackson’s confirmation were well-displayed for all to see and represents the work we still have to do in order for our children to grow up in a world where anyone, no matter the color of their skin or how much money their parents make, can dream and achieve anything.”
Colorado Democratic Party
“Overall, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is one of the most qualified Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Her confirmation is a first in the history of the United States. A Black woman to finally serve in the highest court is an inspiration and a shining symbol of progress in our country. Thank you to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for your enthusiastic support to confirm Brown Jackson – this historic confirmation would not have been possible without our Democratic majority in the Senate.”
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock (D)
“Justice Jackson’s confirmation is historic. But more than that, it’s an inspiration to our youth, that no barrier can stand in their way of achieving greatness and no possibility should be out of reach. Congratulations, Justice Jackson – yours is a model to aspire to!”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D)
“I applaud the historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court. Today is a joyous day for our country. We know that diversity is America and Colorado’s strength. I am proud to see the U.S. Senate taking this bipartisan and historic step in confirming Justice Brown Jackson to our highest court in the land.”
