WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate is expected to confirm Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday, securing her place as the first Black woman on the high court and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his historic pick.
In a procedural vote Thursday, Jackson's nomination was forwarded to the full Senate by a vote of 53-47— all but securing her seat on the High Court.
Every Democrat and three Republicans are expected to support Jackson's nomination. The three Republican senators include Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah.
President Joe Biden's nominated Jackson to replace Justice Stephen Breyer when he retires this summer, after the end of the court’s current term.
Jackson faced a contentious confirmation process. During days of questioning, Republicans tried to paint her as soft on crime. They accused her of issuing lenient sentences in child exploitation cases when she was the judge in the case.
Jackson remained calm throughout the process and explained the legal rationale for her sentencing decisions.
Romney rejected his party's characterization of Jackson. He said her judicial approach is “within the mainstream.”
The balance of the court will not change after Jackson's appointment. She will become one of three justices nominated by a Democratic president. The six other justices were nominated by Republican presidents.
At 51 years old, Jackson is poised to remain on the bench for decades.
