Watson Coleman ‘Overjoyed’ As Senate Confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson

PRINCETON, NJ — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) said she was “overjoyed” and “thrilled” at the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Jackson made history as the first Black woman to serve on the country’s highest court. She is also the first Supreme Court Justice who served as a public defender.

The Senate on Thursday voted 53-47, with three Republican joining Democrats to confirm the 51-year-old federal judge to a lifetime appointment on the court.

“I’m overjoyed today. I am thrilled for Justice Jackson. I am thrilled for Black Women. I am thrilled for America. With this confirmation the Supreme Court will not only look more like America; it will think more like America,” Watson Coleman said in a statement.

“Today, my granddaughter got to see the first Black woman to serve as Vice President announce the confirmation of the first Black Woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. From this day forward she’ll know, and millions of Black girls and Black boys will know, that they can do anything.”

Jackson is President Joe Biden’s first Supreme Court nominee. She will replace Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, who will retire this summer.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news