Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the longest-serving member of the U.S. Supreme Court, was found dead of natural causes at a Texas resort Saturday.
Scalia, 79, was found dead Saturday morning at a private residence in the Big Bend area of West Texas, after he'd gone to his room the night before and did not appear for breakfast, said Donna Sellers, speaking for the U.S. Marshals Service in Washington.
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Political analyst weighs in on impact of Scalia's passing
The U.S. Senate confirmed Justice Scalia 30 years ago with a vote of 98-0, but his death comes at an extremely divisive time in American politics.
Dr. Michael Bitzer, of Catawba College, told Channel 9 it's difficult to imagine that any justice with such prominent conservative judicial values would ever get that vote again.
"To have the death of one of the key voices of conservative judicial thinking, to pass away, really does throw gasoline onto an already burning fire," Bitzer said.
Related: Antonin Scalia: 5 of his most famous decisions
Bitzer said after a mourning period, the country is looking at a bitterly divided battle moving forward in confirming his replacement, especially since it is an election year.
"To say that one of the cornerstones of conservatism on the court has passed away really does deal a blow to the Republican Party," Bitzer said.
President Barack Obama made it clear Saturday night he would nominate a successor to Scalia, despite calls from Republicans to leave that choice — and the certain political struggle over it — to the next president. He promised to do so "in due time" while paying tribute to Scalia as "one of the towering legal figures of our time."
"Does he put up somebody who is perceived as a moderate to potentially to get past a Republican-controlled Senate or does he try and put someone on liberal, to basically be his lasting legacy?" Bitzer said.
The U.S. Supreme Court will continue to hear cases and make decisions through June.
Scalia's death most immediately means that that the justices could be split 4-4 in cases going to the heart of the some of the most divisive issues in the nation — over abortion, affirmative action, immigration policy and more.
Leaders across the nation share their condolences:
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott:
"He was the solid rock who turned away so many attempts to depart from and distort the Constitution. His fierce loyalty to the Constitution set an unmatched example, not just for the judges and lawyers, but for all Americans. We mourn his passing, and we pray that his successor on the Supreme Court will take his place as a champion for the written Constitution and the Rule of Law."
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory:
"America has lost a giant of the U.S. Supreme Court and a man who devoted nearly his entire adult life to public service," Governor McCrory said. "He was an unapologetic defender of the Constitution whose intellect and congeniality will be missed. Ann and I offer our deepest condolences to the Scalia family."
North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis:
“Today, our nation lost Antonin Scalia, a great American and devoted public servant who fiercely defended the Constitution during his three decades on the Supreme Court. Regardless of one’s political or judicial views, there is no doubt that Justice Scalia will be remembered as one of the most thoughtful and consequential Supreme Court justices in contemporary American history. My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Scalia’s family during this time.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Scalia family. Justice Scalia was a hero and patriot. Hopefully, those who follow in his footsteps share his reverence for the constitution, the rule of law, and our republic."
U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger for North Carolina's 9th District:
“Justice Scalia was a Constitutional jurist who adhered to the precepts of our Founding Fathers. He was a strong advocate of the division of federal powers and limited federal government. His intellect and thoughtful analysis will be greatly missed on the Court. Several months ago, I had breakfast with Justice Scalia and it was one of the great treasures of my time in Washington.”
Franklin Graham:
"My sincerest condolences to the family of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia who has passed away. The longest-serving Justice on the Court, he was loved and respected by all. Justice Scalia was a strong conservative and a staunch defender of the Constitution who upheld moral values. He was one of the Justices who voted against same-sex marriage. He will be greatly missed and leaves a huge void on our Supreme Court. Join me in praying for his wife Maureen and the family, and for the future of our Supreme Court."
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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