Judge Brett Cavanaugh, a candidate for President Donald Trump, won the Supreme Court on Friday with a preliminary Senate vote for his confirmation by a final vote on Saturday.
In the initial vote, Judge Cavanaugh received 51 votes to 49 against.
Republican senator Lisa Murkowski voted against the candidacy of Cavanaugh to the Supreme Court in the first ballot, an indication of the final vote on Saturday.
Cavanaugh must win a 100-seat majority in the Senate to approve his candidature. It is expected to be supported by most Republicans who have a simple majority in the House.
Republicans have a slim majority in the Senate with 51 seats versus 49 seats.
Thousands of anti-Kavanu protesters rallied in front of the Supreme Court on Thursday and entered a Senate building holding banners reading "Believe the Victims." Hundreds of demonstrators, including actress Amy Schumer, were arrested.
President Trump nominated Cavanaugh on July 9 as a Supreme Court judge to replace Judge Anthony Kennedy, who has decided to retire.
Cavanaugh faces charges of sexual misconduct after a woman alleged he had sexually assaulted 36 years ago, which the judge denies.
