A letter Justice Stephen Breyer issued to President Joe Biden revealed he will officially relinquish his duties at noon on Thursday. His step down allows Ketanji Brown Jackson, who was confirmed in April, to be sworn-in.

Breyer’s retirement came after Democrat pressure, hoping to ensure his seat would be filled by someone who shares his liberal judicial philosophy.

In his letter, Breyer says he has “been aware of the great honor of participating as a judge in the effort to maintain our Constitution and the rule of law.”

Jackson, 51, currently sits on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. She will be the fourth female justice on the bench, joining Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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