Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (D-Ore.) on Wednesday lamented the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy as “a disaster” for “We the People.”

The 81-year-old Kennedy, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan's, who has long been considered a “swing vote” on the court, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“This is a disaster for everyone who believes in the 'We the People' vision of the Constitution,” Merkley tweeted.

This is a disaster for everyone who believes in the “We the People” vision of the Constitution. https://t.co/x3fgECbksf — Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) June 27, 2018

In a follow-up tweet, Merkley noted that he was “worried” about the standing of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

I’m worried about Roe v. Wade. — Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) June 27, 2018

Kennedy’s retirement opens the door for President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE to nominate a second conservative justice to the Supreme Court. Anti-abortion advocates are expected to pursue more cases if the court leans right.

Emboldened by the Trump administration, anti-abortion advocates have been gearing up to potentially move to overturn Roe v. Wade.

ADVERTISEMENT

Trump said he will immediately begin his search for Kennedy's replacement.