Stevens had been a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, appointed by President Nixon.[151] During his tenure as House Republican leader, Ford had led efforts to have Douglas impeached.[152] After being confirmed, Stevens eventually disappointed some conservatives by siding with the Court's liberal wing regarding the outcome of many key issues.[153] Nevertheless, in 2005 Ford praised Stevens. "He has served his nation well," Ford said of Stevens, "with dignity, intellect and without partisan political concerns."[154]

Other judicial appointments
Main article: List of federal judges appointed by Gerald Ford
Ford appointed 11 judges to the United States Courts of Appeals, and 50 judges to the United States district courts.[155]

1976 presidential election
Main article: 1976 United States presidential election
Governor Ronald Reagan congratulates President Ford after the president successfully wins the 1976 Republican nomination, while Bob Dole, Nancy Reagan, and Nelson Rockefeller look on.
Ford reluctantly agreed to run for office in 1976, but first he had to counter a challenge for the Republican party nomination. 