Bill Cassidy, the Republican senator from Louisiana and the last significant holdout, announced 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 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 run the Department of Justice under Trump. Cassidy’s backing is seen as clearing the final hurdle for Blanche’s confirmation, which is expected to pass by a narrow margin, likely along party lines, before the Senate’s five-week August recess.

Murkowski had earlier announced she would not support Blanche, leaving Cassidy as the pivotal Republican vote. Collins had already opposed the nomination citing concerns about the independence of the Justice Department. Both Murkowski and Cassidy were among the few Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Cassidy, who lost his Louisiana primary in May amid challenges including one backed by Trump, had previously expressed concerns about "lawfare" at the Justice Department. His decision followed weeks of pressure from the White House. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, despite Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, is not attending sessions due to health reasons.

This development marks a significant win for Trump as the Senate moves toward a final vote on Blanche’s confirmation.

Sources