Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced on Thursday that she would not support Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, expressing concerns about the message his leadership of the Pentagon would send to women in the armed services.

Hegseth has faced scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct and heavy drinking, which he has denied. The former Fox News host has met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill repeatedly since his nomination and largely locked up support among Republicans. But Murkowski, a stalwart critic of President Donald Trump, was not convinced.

"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."

Hegseth previously voiced support for keeping women out of combat roles in the military, a position he has revised to some degree. Murkowski insisted that, despite his changed position, she "remain[ed] concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join."