The U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas, as ambassador to Israel in a 53-46 vote on Wednesday. The vote largely followed party lines, with the exception of Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who supported Huckabee’s confirmation.
Huckabee, who served as the 44th governor of Arkansas and is the father of current Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, was nominated for the ambassador role shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Huckabee’s nomination on April 1, paving the way for Wednesday’s final vote.
An ordained Southern Baptist minister, Huckabee has led multiple tours to Israel and is well-regarded for his deep understanding of the country, its people, and its leaders, according to the U.S. State Department’s Certificate of Competency.
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