The Conversation

Loretta Lynch Makes History as First Black Woman to Become U.S. Attorney General

It's official: Loretta Lynch has been approved by the Senate, making her the first black woman to become attorney general. She will replace Eric Holder, who announced his intent to resign from his post back in September. Lynch's confirmation comes after a long delay—she was nominated by President Obama in November. From Politico: Lynch's nearly six-month nomination drama was fraught with controversy—many unrelated to the veteran federal prosecutor from Brooklyn, nor her track record. Few, if any, senators challenged Lynch's qualifications, but her legal endorsement of President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration triggered a wave of Republican opposition. On Thursday, Lynch, who is the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, was finally approved in a 56-43 vote. Ten of the votes in her favor were cast by Republicans, one of whom was Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who said in a released statement: "Ms. Lynch is a well-respected U.S. attorney with a proven record and significant experience handling difficult cases. After meeting with her and reviewing her qualifications, I believe she is clearly qualified and has the necessary experience to serve as attorney general, and I will support her confirmation." Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat, released a statement

It's official: Loretta Lynch has been approved by the Senate, making her the first black woman to become attorney general. She will replace Eric Holder, who announced his intent to resign from his post back in September.

Lynch's confirmation comes after a long delay—she was nominated by President Obama in November. From Politico:

*Lynch's nearly six-month nomination drama was fraught with controversy—many unrelated to the veteran federal prosecutor from Brooklyn, nor her track record. Few, if any, senators challenged Lynch's qualifications, but her legal endorsement of President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigration triggered a wave of Republican opposition.*On Thursday, Lynch, who is the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, was finally approved in a 56-43 vote. Ten of the votes in her favor were cast by Republicans, one of whom was Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who said in a released statement: "Ms. Lynch is a well-respected U.S. attorney with a proven record and significant experience handling difficult cases. After meeting with her and reviewing her qualifications, I believe she is clearly qualified and has the necessary experience to serve as attorney general, and I will support her confirmation."

Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat, released a statement as well, saying, "Loretta Lynch is an extraordinary nominee with an extraordinary record, and she is just the attorney general we need during these challenging times."

As Glamour previously reported, Lynch, 55, received both her undergraduate degree and law degree from Harvard University, after which she spent 11 years working in the U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn, N.Y. From there, she went on to work at two private law firms and eventually returned to New York in 2010 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

"Loretta has spent her life fighting for the fair and equal justice that is the foundation of our democracy," said President Obama in a released statement. "As head of the Justice Department, she will oversee a vast portfolio of cases, including counterterrorism and voting rights; public corruption and white-collar crime; judicial recommendations and policy reviews…. She will bring to bear her experience as a tough, independent, and well-respected prosecutor on key, bipartisan priorities like criminal justice reform. And she will build on our progress in combatting newer threats like cybercrime. Loretta's confirmation ensures that we are better positioned to keep our communities safe, keep our nation secure, and ensure that every American experiences justice under the law."