Bill Cassidy, the Republican senator from Louisiana and the last undecided GOP vote, announced on Friday, August 7th, 2026, that he will support Todd Blanche's nomination for U.S. Attorney General. Blanche, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump and a loyal ally, had faced opposition from Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

In a floor speech, Cassidy acknowledged Blanche is "not perfect," but emphasized the choice was between Blanche and an acting attorney general who might not effectively run the Department of Justice under President Trump. Cassidy's backing appears to clear the final hurdle for Blanche's confirmation, expected to pass narrowly and likely along party lines before the Senate's five-week August recess.

Murkowski had earlier announced her opposition, leaving Cassidy as the pivotal Republican vote. Collins had already opposed Blanche over concerns about the independence of the Justice Department. Both Murkowski and Cassidy were among the few Republicans who voted to convict Trump following his 2021 impeachment related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, though Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is currently absent due to health reasons.

Sources