The Huffington Post reported Lynch was confirmed in the Senate 56 to 43. All Democrats voted for her, along with 10 Republicans: Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Thad Cochran (Miss.), Susan Collins (Maine), Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Rob Portman (Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.).
Sen Ted Cruz (R-Texas), one of Lynch’s loudest critics, was the only senator to miss the vote. Hours earlier, he railed against Lynch for being “unfit” for the job.
“Today is an historic day as Loretta Lynch will take her rightful place at the helm of DOJ,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). “She will pour every ounce of her energy into keeping America safe, upholding the rule of law, and protecting and restoring voting rights that have been under assault for far too long.”
Lynch is “an historic nominee,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. By voting against her, he said, Republicans are “making history for the wrong reason.”
“Based on her strong record on civil and human rights as a U.S. Attorney, there is no doubt that Loretta Lynch will continue the administration’s unprecedented commitment to LGBT equality and justice for all Americans” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We congratulate her on her historic confirmation and look forward to working closely with her to ensure the LGBT community is treated equally under the law.”
Appointed by President Obama in 2010 to serve as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Lynch had previously served in the same role from 1999-2001.
Lynch replaces outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder, who announced his resignation in September. Holder agreed to stay on the job until Lynch was confirmed.
