The Republican-led chamber, requiring only a simple majority, voted 51-49 to clear a procedural step and set the stage for confirmation likely over the weekend. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME), both centrists, were the lone Republicans to oppose Hegseth.

Republican Senate leaders will keep the chamber in session through the weekend to confirm Hegseth and other high-profile Cabinet nominees to overcome procedural roadblocks from Democrats.

Hegseth’s advancement came despite a series of allegations involving sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and spousal abuse that threatened to derail his nomination. Hegseth has denied all allegations.

In a lengthy statement, Murkowski said that “after thorough evaluation, I must conclude that I cannot in good conscience support his nomination.” Her reasoning centered on concerns about his experience and that the military veteran, who was most recently a Fox News host, failed to “demonstrate to me that he is prepared for such immense responsibility” of running the Pentagon. Murkowski cited allegations of financial mismanagement with Hegseth at the helm of two veterans’ organizations, along with accusations of “workplace culture he fostered.”

Murkowski stated further that she remained “concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join.” A newly unearthed allegation from his former sister-in-law claimed his behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety. Hegseth has vehemently denied the claim.

The admission by Hegseth to extramarital affairs, Murkowski continued, “demonstrate[s] a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces.”

“The leader of the Department of Defense must demonstrate and model the standards of behavior and character we expect of all servicemembers, and Mr. Hegseth’s nomination to the role poses significant concerns that I cannot overlook,” Murkowski said. “Given the global security environment we’re operating in, it is critical that we confirm a secretary of defense. However, I regret that I am unable to support Mr. Hegseth.”

In a similar vein, Democrats say Hegseth lacks adequate experience and has accumulated too many damning claims against him. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) assailed Hegseth as the “most unqualified, erratic nominee for a major position we have ever seen in America.”

“I want my colleagues to think about how absurd it is that this nominee has even made it to the floor,” Schumer said. “We are being asked to trust our armed forces to a man with a history of erratic behavior.”

THE BUREAUCRATIC BEHEMOTH AWAITING PETE HEGSETH AT THE PENTAGON

Still, Senate GOP leaders are barreling ahead in the coming days with his nomination and others, including Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD) to lead Homeland Security, Scott Bessent for treasury secretary, and Sean Duffy for transportation secretary.

“One way or the other, these nominees will be confirmed,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said.