WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Praise for Judge Jackson Following Day Two of Hearings

Over the course of two days of hearings with congressional leaders, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson demonstrated to Congress and the American people the character, intellectual depth, and experience that President Biden nominated her for.

Read what they're saying below:

Coverage Highlights

Wall Street Journal: Editorial: Ketanji Brown Jackson Likes America
[3/22/22]

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson faced hours of questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, and she held up fine, though Supreme Court confirmation hearings are now akin to the Circumlocution Olympics. We'd still like to hear her speak candidly about how she thinks judges ought to interpret the Constitution.

"But it was heartening to hear Judge Jackson affirm the promise of America. Too many on the left seem to think the U.S. is structurally, irredeemably flawed.

Paul Kane, Washington Post Congressional Reporter: "Romney tells me that child-porn angle via Hawley/Cruz is wrong, won't impact how he votes. 'It struck me that it was off course, meaning the attacks were off course that came from some. And there is no there, there.'" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

NBC News: GOP senator predicts Jackson will be confirmed
[Sahil Kaput, 3/22/22]

"Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Judiciary Committee, made a prediction Tuesday evening about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

'I think she's done pretty well,' Cornyn said in the Capitol. 'She's going to get confirmed.'"

Congressional Leaders

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: "The daughter of public educators. The pride of Miami Palmetto Senior High School. A federal judge for nearly a decade. Judge Jackson began her testimony today focused on her family, upbringing, qualifications, and fidelity to the Constitution. She belongs on the Supreme Court!" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has a masterful command of the law, outstanding courtroom experience and a strong record of defending our rights and freedoms. She will make history and progress as the first Black woman to serve as U.S. Supreme Court Justice.-NP #ConfirmJudgeJackson" [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet: :Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson would be the first Black woman and the first public defender to serve on the Supreme Court. We cannot lose sight of her historic nomination. She is a well-qualified nominee, and I look forward to hearing more from Judge Jackson this week." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal: "For Judge Jackson 'equal justice under law' is a reality, not just an ideal. Before our feeds are flooded with imagined grievances & more than a few straw men, listen to Jackson's own words, & hear her commitment to 'ensure liberty & justice for all.'" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

California Senator Dianne Feinstein: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed by the Senate on three occasions for three different positions in the federal judiciary on a bipartisan basis. It's clear that she's more than qualified to be the next Supreme Court justice." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker: "Judge Jackson has consistently demonstrated a dedication to the rule of law and a proven record of bipartisan support. I know she will be the right fit for the job." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown: "Judge Jackson is exceptionally well-qualified." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Delaware Senator Chris Coons: "A federal public defender. A private practice attorney. Vice-Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. A federal judge for nearly a decade. Ketanji Brown Jackson is incredibly well-qualified to serve on the Supreme Court." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be a powerful and highly qualified addition to the Supreme Court. She will serve our country well. And I will do everything I can to ensure she is confirmed to the Supreme Court." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar: "Justice Breyer once wrote that the Supreme Court must make the Constitution work for the people of today. A workable court built on consensus. A Court that sees the people at the end of rulings. I look forward to hearing how Judge Jackson will follow in those footsteps." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine: "Judge Jackson is highly qualified and dedicated to liberty and justice for all. I look forward to watching her confirmation hearings this week. I take my duty to provide advice and consent very seriously, as SCOTUS makes critical decisions on issues impacting all Virginians." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is highly qualified to serve on the Supreme Court and has demonstrated her commitment to the rule of law throughout her career. All good qualities in a SCOTUS jurist—I'm looking forward to hearing from her this week!" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren: "Our judiciary shouldn't be reserved for those whose only experience is representing the wealthy & well connected. Judges with experience as public defenders are equipped to understand what brings everyday Americans into the courtroom—it's why we need Judge Jackson on the Court." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: "We heard a lot of performance theater from Republican presidential aspirants today, including vague worries about 'judicial philosophy.' Well, if they actually ask her, Judge Jackson will say what she's said before: Her guiding principle is to 'consistently appl[y]' the 'same level of analytical rigor' to a case 'no matter who or what is involved in the legal action.' That means you can 'be consistent in a way you are analyzing the issues, and you can set aside any thoughts about who is making the arguments, [and] what advantages any side might take away from your opinions.' 'If you have fidelity to the rule of law that is grounded in looking at only those inputs,' she said, 'then I think you can rule without fear or favor.'" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez: "Throughout her career, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has proven to be an impeccable jurist of profound integrity and sound judgment, and I look forward to watching her show that to the American people this week as the Senate continues its role of advice and consent." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Washington Senator Patty Murray: "Judge Jackson is one of the most qualified Supreme Court nominees I've ever met with. I look forward to hearing more at her confirmation hearings this week as she gets one step closer to serving on our nation's highest court." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth: "Question after question, Senator by Senator—Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is proving to be incredibly impressive, experienced and worthy of her nomination to our nation's highest court." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed: "As hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to SCOTUS kick off today, Americans will get to know a talented, experienced jurist, who, if confirmed to replace Justice Breyer, will be 116th justice in U.S. history & the first Black woman to ever sit on SCOTUS bench." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: Received a unanimous "Well Qualified" rating from the nonpartisan American Bar Association. Would be the only former public defender on the court. Will make history. Is the most qualified #SCOTUS nominee in years." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Ohio Congresswoman Shontel Brown: "Good morning. Just a reminder that this is Judge Jackson's fourth time before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The last 3 times she appeared—including just last year—she was confirmed with bipartisan support." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark: "#JudgeKetanjiBrownJackson understands the struggle of women, of moms, of kids — she sees all of us. This is a voice we need on the Highest Court." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke: "Yesterday, the Senate and the country saw Judge Jackson's deep commitment to the rule of law, and learned just how qualified she is for the Supreme Court. In the coming days, the breadth and depth of her legal career will continue to be on display. #ConfirmJudgeJackson." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver: "Yesterday, Judge Jackson demonstrated her resolute commitment to the rule of law & impeccable qualifications for assuming a seat on the highest court in the land. As she begins questioning, her breadth of knowledge & depth of experience will continue to impress. #ConfirmJackson." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen: "Senator Grassley is doing an honorable and fair questioning of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Setting a standard that the younger Republicans will have difficulty equaling. #Grassley 's wife was right!" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez: "Yesterday, the Senate and the country saw Judge Jackson's deep commitment to the rule of law and learned just how qualified she is for the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson is a brilliant legal mind; she will make an exceptional Supreme Court Justice." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Virginia Congressman Don McEachin: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is one of our nation's brightest legal minds. Her swift confirmation is the only option. #SheWillRise." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone: "Ketanji Brown Jackson is a gifted, qualified, and vetted judge who will make an outstanding Supreme Court justice. If Mitch McConnell had the majority, she wouldn't even get a hearing. That's why we need to keep the Senate this year." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne: "This week, Ketanji Brown Jackson continues her confirmation hearing to become the first African-American woman to be a Supreme Court Justice. As a justice, I'm confident that she will be committed to fighting for justice and equality for all Americans! #KetanjiBrownJackson." [Tweet, 3/2/22]

California Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard: "The breadth and depth of Judge Jackson's legal career—and her record of evenhandedness, impartiality, and independence--is already evident. Confirm her." [Tweet, 3/2/22]

New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury: "Our nation's next Supreme Court Justice. Inspired watching Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings get underway today!" [Tweet, 3/2/22]

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: "Judge Jackson sentenced 100+ defendants proportionally to the crime they committed and in line with other judges. She is endorsed by @TheIACP, a group of police leaders from 165+ countries, @GLFOP, dozens of police chiefs + sheriffs, and 83 GOP + Democratic ex-attorneys general." [Tweet, 3/2/22]

New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman: "Reminder — regarding her nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge Jackson received a unanimous "Well Qualified" rating from the nonpartisan American Bar Association." [Tweet, 3/2/22]

Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson: "Today kicks off day 2 of #KetanjiBrownJackson's Confirmation Hearings as the first Black woman #SCOTUS nominee! Watch live as she testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee and shares insight to her remarkable career as a judge. #SheWillRise." [Tweet, 3/2/22]

Governors

Governor Kate Brown, OR: "Senate hearings are officially underway to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson is extremely qualified for the job, and I urge the Senate to move forward with a swift and fair confirmation." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Governor Kathy Hochul, NY: "History in the making. #ConfirmJudgeJackson" [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Governor Ned Lamont, CT: "Judge Jackson's experience, perspective, and voice will be a valuable addition to the bench, ensuring that our nation's highest court better reflects the nation itself." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Mayors, Counties, and Local Associations

Augusta, GA Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr.: "Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Change takes a long time, but it does happen. Today is about the next chapter of herstory being written. Hon. Ketanji Brown Jackson @WhiteHouse" [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Baltimore, MD Mayor Brandon Scott: "This is a reminder that Ketanji Brown Jackson is going to be an exceptional Justice, her experience and dedication to the rule of law make her a better fit than some of her *cough* *cough* white male counterparts. We need representation in our legal system. #BlackGirlMagic!" [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Chicago, IL Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot: "Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is exceptionally qualified and has the experience and character to serve on the nation's highest court. Thank you @SenatorDurbin for your thoughtful leadership in this process. I hope to see a swift and bipartisan confirmation." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Denver, CO Mayor Michael B. Hancock: "So pleased by @POTUS' nomination of Supreme Court Justice, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. This historic moment isn't just about the first Black woman to sit on high court, it's also about recognizing judicial excellence." [Tweet, 3/21/22]

Montgomery, AL Mayor Steven L. Reed: "Judge Jackson has earned respect across the aisle for her impartiality & expansive legal career. With endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police & Intl Assoc of Police Chiefs, it's clear she'll make an exemplary Supreme Court Justice." [Tweet, 3/22/22]

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: "For the first time in the court's history, the Senate is considering an extraordinarily qualified Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. I am incredibly proud of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's journey and I consider it an honor to watch this history unfold. #SCOTUSnominee" [Tweet, 3/21/22]