The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, sending the nomination to the full Senate for further consideration.
The move follows a period of GOP hesitancy: several Republican holdouts who had opposed Blanche’s nomination reportedly ended their opposition, clearing the way for the committee action. Despite those defections, some Republican senators remain publicly skeptical about his eventual confirmation.
Sen. John Kennedy was among those expressing reservations, saying he wouldn’t bet on Blanche’s confirmation — a reminder that floor votes could still be contentious even after committee approval.
Ahead of the committee decision, Blanche made changes to his public positions, including discontinuing an “anti-weaponization” fund that had drawn scrutiny. Supporters argue those steps helped neutralize objections and build enough support to move the nomination forward.
With the committee’s approval, the next step is consideration by the full Senate, where supporters will need to secure the votes required for final confirmation. The outcome will determine whether Blanche becomes the next attorney general.