Senator Joe Manchin intends to vote for Supreme Court docket nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, he introduced on Twitter Friday, possible securing her historic affirmation to the bench.

The West Virginia Democrat stated that his choice got here after assembly with Jackson, contemplating her document and watching her testimony earlier than the Senate Judiciary Committee.

As a result of the Senate is cut up 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, securing the vote of average Democrats like Manchin has been seen as essential for Jackson's affirmation. A tie vote on the nomination could be damaged by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Manchin stated in an announcement that the duty of contemplating and consenting to a Supreme Court docket nominee is one "I take very critically" and that he has decided that he intends to vote in favor of Jackson.

"Choose Jackson's document and profession are exemplary," he stated within the assertion earlier than outlining a few of her previous work and achievements.

"Her big selection of experiences in various sectors of our judicial system have offered Choose Jackson a singular perspective that may serve her properly on our nation's highest courtroom," Manchin stated.

Jackson Receives Manchin's Vote
Senator Joe Manchin stated Friday he intends to vote for Supreme Court docket nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Above, Jackson testifies throughout her affirmation listening to Wednesday earlier than the Senate Judiciary Committee.Drew Angerer/Getty Photos

The senator stated that Jackson was "heat and gracious" once they met. He praised her temperament, which he stated makes her an "distinctive jurist," in addition to her "deep love" of West Virginia and "dedication to public service."

"I'm assured Choose Jackson is supremely certified and has the disposition essential to function our nation's subsequent Supreme Court docket justice," his assertion stated.

Fulfilling his promise to appoint a Black girl, President Joe Biden chosen Jackson to interchange retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, who introduced in late January that he could be stepping down

Securing Manchin's vote was a significant victory for Jackson and the Biden administration after she confronted a number of days of robust questioning earlier than the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.

A number of Republicans criticized her dealing with of little one pornography instances, and he or she was requested at one level how she would outline what a lady is.

Amid the robust questioning by a number of Republicans, Jackson additionally acquired sturdy help from a number of Democrats. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, a Democrat, condemned the way in which among the GOP members dealt with the listening to and their therapy of Jackson, calling it "unfair, unrelenting and beneath the dignity" of the Senate.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, additionally a Democrat, stated on the primary day of the hearings that he felt a "sense of overwhelming pleasure" on the prospect of Jackson's nomination.

"This isn't a standard day for America. Now we have by no means had this second earlier than," he stated.

The committee will vote April 4 on Jackson's nomination, which can then be thought-about by the total Senate.

The promise of Manchin's backing got here after Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnellintroduced Thursday that he "can't and won't help" Jackson's nomination.

Replace 03/25/22, 11:10 a.m. ET: This story was up to date with further data and background.