Justice Samuel Alito has stated in multiple October 2026 interviews, including with Bloomberg and CBS News, that he intends to serve through the Supreme Court term ending in June or July 2027, regardless of Senate control after the November midterms. The 76-year-old justice noted that retirement considerations arise each term but affirmed his capacity to contribute, following earlier speculation and a retracted June report. Traders weigh these direct statements against the narrow window for a lame-duck confirmation if Democrats gain the Senate, historical patterns of strategic retirements by justices, and the absence of any confirmed health or personal developments prompting an immediate exit. Upcoming midterm results and any post-election statements could influence short-term probabilities.