Brett Kavanaugh confirmation battle

The nomination of conservative judge Brett Kavanaugh, 53, for the U.S. Supreme Court sets up a ferocious confirmation battle with Democrats as President Donald Trump seeks to shift the court further right

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Nominee’s credentials and background thoroughly checked during confirmation hearing that can go on for days

Democrats 10 members

Committee votes on whether to approve nominee, then sends recommendation to full Senate

Republicans 11 members

Nominee needs simple majority of 51 votes for confirmation. Senator John McCain is battling cancer, meaning Republicans can currently only muster 50 votes

Liberals will pressure two moderate Republican senators to reject nominee. Conservative activists will push three politically vulnerable Democratic senators to vote for confirmation

SENATE  
Democrats 49   Republicans 51

SUPREME COURT
LIBERAL LEANING
CONSERVATIVE LEANING

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85
Elena Kagan, 58
Sonia Sotomayor, 64
Stephen Breyer, 79
?
Neil Gorsuch, 50
Samuel Alito, 68
Clarence Thomas, 70
John Roberts, 63
Chief Justice

New judge, who will replace Anthony Kennedy, 81, will cast crucial votes on key issues such as abortion, gay rights and gun control
                    

                                                                                                              
Source: U.S. Supreme Court       Pictures: AP, Getty Images        © GRAPHIC NEWS