Former Alabama State Sen. Phil Williams is now one step away from confirmation as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama after the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination on Thursday.

He and longtime prosecutor Thomas Govan Jr. are now in the same boat, awaiting action by the full chamber.

Williams was first tapped by President Donald Trump for the post last fall, and if confirmed, would serve a four-year term as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

The Northern District of Alabama is the largest of the state’s three federal districts, covering 31 counties and about 59% of Alabama’s population.

Williams has remained a high-profile figure since he exited office through his work as an executive at the Alabama Policy Institute, and through his statewide brand, Rightside Media, which has transitioned to new ownership and partnered closely with Yellowhammer News. 

He has over two decades as a trial attorney and a AV-preeminent peer-rating, and is also a combat veteran and U.S. Army Colonel.

He served thirty years as an Army Officer in the reserve component. He is an Airborne Ranger with decorated combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as service on the Army staff in the Pentagon.

As a member of the Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) went to bat for Williams’ resume during Thursday’s hearing. According to Britt, Williams’ resume includes more than 700 court appearances and taking more than 30 trials to verdict.

Democrats, like U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), attacked Williams on baseless, political grounds.

Britt drove his nomination over the finish line in a 12-10 vote, with only Democrats opposing.

He and Govan’s final confirmation will be taken up by the full U.S. Senate chamber on an imminent basis.

Recently, Williams described his nomination to the office as “the honor of a lifetime.”

“The rule of law is the cornerstone of a free society, and the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to make sure that justice is applied fairly and consistently. My goal is to support law enforcement at every level and work to ensure that Alabama families can feel safe in their communities,” Williams wrote.

“Federal prosecutors must be partners, not spectators,” he said. “We will work closely with sheriffs, police departments and district attorneys to bring the full weight of the justice system against violent crime, public corruption and those who prey on the vulnerable. And when it comes to matters involving civil litigation, we will defend the interests of the citizens of the United States and the federal government with all due course.”