Murkowski says she will oppose Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) announced on Friday that she will vote against the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to serve full‑time, becoming the second Republican senator to oppose the appointment. Her decision places the confirmation on a knife’s edge, as one additional “no” vote could stall or ultimately defeat the nomination. Murkowski said she had “numerous constructive meetings with Blanche” but concluded that the appointment did not meet her standards for the role.

Blanche, who has served as Alaska’s acting attorney general since 2023, has been a key figure in the state’s legal and regulatory affairs. The nomination is being reviewed by the Senate, where bipartisan support has been sought to secure a smooth confirmation. Murkowski’s opposition follows a similar stance by another Republican senator, underscoring growing scrutiny over Blanche’s qualifications and the broader implications for the state’s legal leadership.

The outcome of the vote will determine whether Blanche can assume the position permanently. If the nomination is delayed or withdrawn, Alaska will continue to rely on an acting attorney general, potentially affecting the administration of state law and ongoing legal initiatives. The Senate’s next session will decide whether Murkowski’s vote, along with any other dissenting votes, will alter the trajectory of Blanche’s appointment.