Senate confirms Kristen Clarke to helm Justice Department's civil rights division

Clarke is the first black woman to serve in the role.
Kristen Clarke in January 2021
By Alex Nitzberg

The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Kristen Clarke to lead the Justice Department's civil rights division, making her the first black woman to hold the post.

The close 51-48 vote was almost completely along party lines with the single exception of Sen. Susan Collins who was the only GOP member to vote in favor of confirmation.