As Democrats prepare for a potential return to power in Washington, a growing faction within the party is intensifying calls to reshape the nation’s highest court through measures including imposing term limits on justices and expanding its size.
The movement has gained momentum following a series of major rulings that have sparked widespread frustration among Democratic voters and activists. These decisions include the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, a presidential immunity ruling that shielded former President Donald Trump from prosecution in certain official acts, and recent actions that struck down portions of the Voting Rights Act.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, widely viewed as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, recently described the Supreme Court as a “rogue” entity during remarks to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition convention. He stated: “We have to do [something] with the Supreme Court, that is now a rogue Supreme Court.”
The court’s recent decisions have drawn sharp criticism from progressive figures such as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who remarked: “If these conservative justices want to make public policy, they should simply quit the Supreme Court and run for political office.”
Two primary reform proposals are emerging as focal points of the debate. One would expand the number of justices on the court, allowing future Democratic presidents and Congresses to appoint additional members and shift its ideological balance. The other would establish term limits for justices, replacing the current system of lifetime appointments.
Supporters argue that the current conservative majority no longer reflects the political views of much of the country and has become increasingly partisan. Critics warn that expanding the court could politicize the judiciary and trigger a cycle of retaliatory expansions whenever control shifts in Washington.
The issue is now emerging as a critical litmus test within Democratic politics. Demand Justice, a progressive advocacy group advocating for court expansion, plans to pressure Democratic candidates seeking national office to commit to structural changes. The group’s president, Josh Orton, stated: “Demand Justice is going to play a major role in the next presidential election in making sure that the Supreme Court doesn’t stand in the way of plans to change the system and rig the economy for working people.”
The growing pressure reflects concerns among progressive activists that an unchanging conservative court could obstruct future efforts to advance Democratic policy initiatives.
By Brian Freeman | Wednesday, 17 June 2026 11:12 AM EDT
