Abbott mourns passing of retired Supreme Court Justice O'Connor

Governor Greg Abbott joins the country in mourning the loss of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was 93 at the time of her passing. O’Connor served as a beacon for women across the nation as she was the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court in 1981.

As stated in a recent press release, Governor Abbott fondly remembered his time as Texas Attorney General in 2005 when he defended the display of the Ten Commandments at the Texas Capitol before Justice O'Connor in the Supreme Court. "I admired her tenacity and dedication to precisely researched jurisprudence," Governor Abbott said. He went on to describe Justice O'Connor as a trailblazer and an inspiration to women throughout her lifetime, confidently stating, "I have no doubt that her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come."

Based on information from Politico, it has been confirmed that Justice O’Connor passed away in Phoenix on December 1st. The news site also shared that she spent 24 years on the court following her appointment by President Ronald Reagan. A notable moment during her tenure was when she was among five justices who voted in favor of then-candidate George W. Bush during his presidential run in 2000.

National Public Radio (NPR), citing the Supreme Court, reported that Justice O’Connor succumbed due to complications related to advanced dementia, possibly Alzheimer's disease, and a respiratory illness.