Supreme Court's future hinges on presidential election outcome and Senate control

The upcoming presidential election could significantly impact the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on the election outcome and Senate control, the current 6-to-3 conservative majority may remain, shrink, or expand. Political gridlock on judicial nominations is likely if power is split. If Kamala Harris wins the presidency but Republicans control the Senate, vacancies may remain unfilled for years, similar to the treatment of Merrick Garland in 2016. Conversely, if Donald Trump wins with a Democratic Senate, Democrats may face pressure to block his nominees. Currently, there are no Supreme Court vacancies, and the oldest justices are conservative. If no justices retire or pass away, the court's composition may stay the same. Lower courts may also experience dysfunction, with potential delays in confirming judges.