Highlights from Senate vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson

The Senate voted 53-47 in a bipartisan vote on Jackson's nomination.

Last Updated: April 7, 2022, 5:29 PM EDT

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court in its 233-year history, was confirmed by the Senate in a 53-47 vote Thursday.

She got three Republican votes, marking a bipartisan victory for President Joe Biden and his high court nominee.

Apr 07, 2022, 2:50 PM EDT

Jackson’s confirmation marks slew of firsts

With Judge Jackson set to become Justice Jackson when Justice Stephen Breyer retires at the end of this term, the Supreme Court will have its first Black woman justice -- and Jackson will serve on the first-ever high court where white men constitute a minority of the membership.

Jackson is also the first former public defender and first Florida-raised judge to sit on the Supreme Court.

President Joe Biden congratulates Ketanji Brown Jackson moments after the U.S. Senate confirmed her to be the first Black woman to be a justice on the Supreme Court in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on April 07, 2022 in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In addition to being the first time four women justices serve on the bench, it’s also the first time three justices of color will serve together.

Biden ran for president on the pledge to nominate a Black woman and to help make the courts “look more like America.”

-ABC News' Devin Dwyer

Apr 07, 2022, 2:21 PM EDT

Senate confirms Jackson to Supreme Court

The Senate has confirmed Judge Jackson by a 53-47 vote, paving the way for Jackson to become the first Black woman in history to sit on the nation's highest court.

"This nomination is confirmed," said Vice President Kamala Harris as the chamber erupted in applause.

Jackson secured the support of all Democrats plus three Republicans: Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. All three of these senators previously stated their intention to support Jackon's final confirmation.

Vice President Kamala Harris presides over the confirmation vote in the Senate, for Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, April 7, 2022.
Pool via Senate TV

Inside the chamber, crowds of staffers flocked to the gallery to catch a glimpse of the history-making moment.

Harris, the nation's first Black and first female vice president, announced the final tally for Jackson -- now the first Black woman to be confirmed to the Supreme Court in its 233-year history.

-ABC News' Trish Turner and Allison Pecorin

Apr 07, 2022, 2:13 PM EDT

Jackson watches vote with Biden at White House

President Joe Biden and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson are currently in the Roosevelt Room of the White House watching this historic vote, according to the White House print pooler.

Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, presided over the Senate chamber to announce the roll call vote.

Apr 07, 2022, 2:07 PM EDT

Senate leaders give final speeches ahead of vote

Both party leaders spoke ahead of Judge Jackson's confirmation vote, with Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, presiding over the chamber for the historic occasion.

Republican leader Mitch McConnell said he "applaud[ed]" Republicans for handling Jackson's confirmation with the seriousness it deserves," a characterization rejected b Democrats.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, celebrated the historic nature of the nomination.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks ahead of the vote on the Senate floor for the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, April 7, 2022.
Pool via Senate TV

"In our nation's history, 115 individuals have been confirmed by this body to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Of those, 108 have been white men, only 4 have been women, only 2 have been African American," Schumer said. "But Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first African American woman ever to hold the title of Justice. Think about the impact that will have on our democracy."

"This is one of the great moments of American history," Schumer said. "This is a great moment for Judge Jackson but it is an even greater moment for America as we rise to a more perfect union."

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