On Monday evening, President Donald Trump announced Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Top contenders included federal appeals judges Raymond Kethledge, Amy Coney Barrett and Thomas Hardiman, according to the Associated Press.
Democrats are expected to oppose Trump’s choice. Republicans leaders have said they are ready for a difficult confirmation process, with Senate Republicans holding a 51-49 majority.
Monday’s announcement marked the second time Trump has nominated someone to the Supreme Court. The Senate confirmed Neil Gorsuch in April 2017 after Associate Justice Antonin Scalia died.