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Today in History: Sandra Day O'Connor first female Supreme Court justice

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 10:33 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

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On September 25, 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Arizona judge Sandra Day O'Connor, and the Senate confirmed her unanimously, making her the first woman to serve as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. A moderate conservative and former state Senate majority leader, O'Connor became the Court’s pivotal swing vote until 2006.

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Story summary

On September 25, 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Arizona judge Sandra Day O'Connor, and the Senate confirmed her unanimously, making her the first woman to serve as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. A moderate conservative and former state Senate majority leader, O'Connor became the Court’s pivotal swing vote until 2006.