Todd Blanche's confirmation as attorney general appears increasingly likely after Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced her support for the nominee, providing what could be the decisive vote needed to clear the Senate.
Murkowski, considered one of the more moderate Republicans in the chamber, said she would back Blanche after meeting with him and reviewing his background. Her announcement gives Blanche a path to the 51 votes needed for confirmation in the evenly divided Senate, where Vice President JD Vance would break any tie.
The White House has made confirming Blanche a priority, with President Trump publicly pressing lawmakers to support the nomination.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have defended Blanche as a qualified nominee with extensive legal experience. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Blanche had gone through a thorough confirmation process and answered questions directly.
'Todd Blanche has the character and qualifications to serve as attorney general,' Thune said in a floor speech. 'He will uphold the rule of law and ensure the Justice Department serves the American people.'
White House officials have emphasized that Blanche received strong support from Senate Republicans during committee hearings. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Murkowski's backing 'another sign that senators recognize this nominee is well-qualified.'
Conservative legal groups, including the Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation scholars, have praised Blanche's judicial philosophy and said he would bring balance to the department.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats have largely opposed Blanche's nomination, raising concerns about his qualifications and previous statements on legal matters. Several Democratic senators have called for more extensive vetting and questioned whether Blanche would independently oversee the Justice Department.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the nominee had not adequately addressed questions about how he would handle politically sensitive investigations. 'The American people deserve an attorney general who will enforce the law fairly, not one who will serve as a political operative,' Durbin said in a statement.
Progressive advocacy groups have mounted campaigns against Blanche's confirmation, arguing he lacks the experience needed to lead the nation's largest law enforcement agency. Groups including Demand Justice and Public Citizen have urged senators to vote against his nomination.
What the Numbers Show
The Senate is split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats. With all Democrats expected to vote against Blanche, he needs at least one Democratic crossover vote or complete Republican unity to reach 51 votes.
Murkowski joins at least 50 Republicans who have publicly committed to supporting the nominee. She has occasionally broken with her party on key nominations, including voting to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Blanche's nomination on a party-line vote earlier this week, setting up the full Senate floor vote expected later this month.
The Bottom Line
Blanche appears headed for confirmation after Murkowski's announcement removed what had been the main obstacle to his advancement. With her support and unified Republican backing, he is expected to receive the 51 votes needed despite unified Democratic opposition.
The confirmation would give Trump a trusted ally in charge of the Justice Department during the administration's second term. Democrats have few procedural options left to block the nomination at this stage.
Senate Majority Leader Thune has scheduled a procedural vote on Blanche's nomination for later this week, with final confirmation expected to follow within days.