Kamala Harris says the US Supreme Court should expand to 13 justices
Kamala Harris says the US Supreme Court Should Expand to 13 Justices
Activelifezero.com – Former Vice President Kamala Harris says the US Supreme Court needs a significant overhaul, announcing Friday that the nation should consider expanding the high court to 13 justices. This proposal aligns with growing Democratic enthusiasm for judicial reform and represents a more definitive stance than her previous positions on the matter. Speaking at the National Urban League’s annual conference in Nashville, Harris emphasized the need to modernize American institutions as potential 2028 presidential candidates begin positioning themselves for the post-Trump era.
“We need to revisit the point of expanding the court to 13 justices like we have 13 district courts,” Harris stated during her address. Her comments extended beyond court expansion, as she also called for reviewing the Electoral College system and pursuing statehood for both Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. The federal judiciary currently operates with 13 circuit courts and 94 district courts, according to the Department of Justice, making the 13-justice proposal structurally consistent with existing frameworks.
Building on Previous Court Reform Efforts
Her remarks mark a notable evolution from her 2020 presidential campaign, when she described herself as merely “open to that discussion” regarding Supreme Court expansion. As vice president, Harris had previously supported court changes proposed by President Joe Biden, including term limits for justices, though those earlier proposals stopped short of increasing the number of justices on the bench. Democrats have consistently argued that expanding the nine-member court would help counter what they perceive as disproportionate conservative influence over judicial decision-making.
“I absolutely believe we should be exploring” court expansion, Harris told former CNN host Don Lemon in an interview last month, adding that she agreed with calls for 13 justices.
The current composition of the Supreme Court reflects this political imbalance, with six of the nine justices appointed by Republican presidents. Notably, three of these justices were selected by Donald Trump during his presidency. This Republican majority has become a focal point for Democratic reformers who argue that the court’s ideological balance no longer reflects the nation’s political diversity.
Broader Support and Growing Skepticism
Among potential 2028 presidential contenders, Kamala Harris says the US Supreme Court expansion has garnered varying levels of support. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has long championed court reform, having pitched a 15-member court during his 2020 presidential run. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York remains a steadfast advocate for adding more justices to the nation’s highest court.
However, not all Democrats share this enthusiasm. California Governor Gavin Newsom has historically expressed skepticism about increasing the number of justices. Yet, in a recent interview with progressive media personality Brian Tyler Cohen, who strongly supports court expansion, Newsom revealed he is warming to the concept. This shift in perspective among moderate Democrats could prove crucial for any future legislative efforts to expand the Supreme Court.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kamala Harris says the US Supreme Court expansion represents more than just a numerical change—it symbolizes a broader movement toward institutional reform that could reshape American governance for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Kamala Harris want to expand the Supreme Court?
Kamala Harris supports expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices to counter what she and other Democrats see as disproportionate conservative influence over the court’s decision-making. With six of nine current justices appointed by Republican presidents, expansion would help restore ideological balance.
What is the current size of the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court currently consists of nine justices. This number has remained constant since the Judiciary Act of 1869, though the court has operated with different numbers throughout American history.
When did Kamala Harris first discuss court expansion?
Kamala Harris first mentioned court expansion during her 2020 presidential campaign, when she described herself as “open to that discussion.” Her recent statements represent a more definitive endorsement of the 13-justice proposal.
Are there other Democratic leaders supporting court expansion?
Yes, several Democratic leaders support court expansion, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who proposed a 15-member court, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has been a longtime proponent of adding more justices.
