On August 8, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by the United States Senate in a 68–31 vote, officially becoming an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Nominated by President Barack Obama, her appointment followed the retirement of Justice David Souter and marked a historic milestone, as she became the first Hispanic woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. While the confirmation process ultimately secured her a clear majority, it was…