Bill Cassidy, a Republican senator from Louisiana and the last significant holdout, declared on Friday, August 7th, 2026, that he will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general. Blanche, a former personal lawyer and loyal ally of former President Donald Trump, had faced opposition from moderate Republican senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Cassidy acknowledged Blanche is "not perfect" but argued the choice was between Blanche and an acting attorney general who might not effectively lead the Department of Justice under President Trump. Cassidy’s backing appears to clear the final major hurdle for Blanche’s confirmation, which is expected to pass narrowly, likely along party lines.

Murkowski announced earlier on Friday that she would not support Blanche’s confirmation, leaving Cassidy as the pivotal Republican vote. Collins had already opposed the nomination due to concerns about the independence of the Department of Justice. Both Murkowski and Cassidy had previously voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Cassidy, who lost his Louisiana primary earlier in May after facing challengers including one endorsed by Trump, had been under pressure from the White House and expressed concerns about "lawfare" at the Justice Department before his decision. The Senate, with a Republican majority of 53-47, is expected to complete the confirmation vote before the five-week August recess begins.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, recently released from the hospital, is not attending sessions due to health reasons.

Sources