Leaders Celebrate Loretta Lynch's Confirmation

Congratulations for the first Black woman attorney general.

A Done Deal - "We did it!" one of Loretta Lynch's supporters cried with glee after the U.S. Senate finally confirmed her as the next attorney general by 56 to 43. Her sentiment was echoed by the dozens of other women, her Delta sorority sisters and 10 Black congresswomen who watched the vote from the Senate visitor's gallery as well as African-American lawmakers and activists from all around the nation. Before the vote, Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont expressed the hope that Lynch will get more respect as attorney general than she did as the nominee. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, these leaders are all wishing her well. –  Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick)  (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

1 / 15

A Done Deal - "We did it!" one of Loretta Lynch's supporters cried with glee after the U.S. Senate finally confirmed her as the next attorney general by 56 to 43. Her sentiment was echoed by the dozens of other women, her Delta sorority sisters and 10 Black congresswomen who watched the vote from the Senate visitor's gallery as well as African-American lawmakers and activists from all around the nation. Before the vote, Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont expressed the hope that Lynch will get more respect as attorney general than she did as the nominee. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, these leaders are all wishing her well. –  Joyce Jones (@BETpolitichick)  (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

President Barack Obama - Today, the Senate finally confirmed Loretta Lynch to be America’s next Attorney General – and America will be better off for it. Loretta has spent her life fighting for the fair and equal justice that is the foundation of our democracy. 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 – all of which matter to the lives of every American, and shape the story of our country.  …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. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

2 / 15

President Barack Obama - Today, the Senate finally confirmed Loretta Lynch to be America’s next Attorney General – and America will be better off for it. Loretta has spent her life fighting for the fair and equal justice that is the foundation of our democracy. 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 – all of which matter to the lives of every American, and shape the story of our country.  …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. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Rev. Lorenzo Lynch - "I'm pleased, I'm happy, I'm encouraged and I'm somewhat relaxed. It's been a long battle. I was fighting on the telephone and visiting this one and visiting the other one, [in] this one's face and the other one's face, but it was worth it," Rev. Lorenzo Lynch, the new attorney general's proud papa, told BET.com. "When I see her I will tell her I'm proud of her, I know she'll do a good job. I'll tell her I never gave up on her and I'm glad she didn't give up the fight. She did stay in there and I'm glad of that." (Photo: Ron Sachs/dpa/Corbis)

3 / 15

Rev. Lorenzo Lynch - "I'm pleased, I'm happy, I'm encouraged and I'm somewhat relaxed. It's been a long battle. I was fighting on the telephone and visiting this one and visiting the other one, [in] this one's face and the other one's face, but it was worth it," Rev. Lorenzo Lynch, the new attorney general's proud papa, told BET.com. "When I see her I will tell her I'm proud of her, I know she'll do a good job. I'll tell her I never gave up on her and I'm glad she didn't give up the fight. She did stay in there and I'm glad of that." (Photo: Ron Sachs/dpa/Corbis)

Attorney General Eric Holder - I have known and worked closely with Loretta for many years, and I know that she will continue the vital work that this Administration has set in motion and leave her own innovative mark on the Department in which we have both been privileged to serve. I am confident that Loretta will be an outstanding attorney general, a dedicated guardian of the Constitution, and a devoted champion of all those whom the law protects and empowers. I congratulate her on her confirmation, and I look forward to all that the Department of Justice will do and achieve under her exemplary leadership. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

4 / 15

Attorney General Eric Holder - I have known and worked closely with Loretta for many years, and I know that she will continue the vital work that this Administration has set in motion and leave her own innovative mark on the Department in which we have both been privileged to serve. I am confident that Loretta will be an outstanding attorney general, a dedicated guardian of the Constitution, and a devoted champion of all those whom the law protects and empowers. I congratulate her on her confirmation, and I look forward to all that the Department of Justice will do and achieve under her exemplary leadership. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield - Today is a historic day for our country as Loretta Lynch, a North Carolina native, becomes the first African-American female to serve as our nation’s top law enforcement official. Her experience and qualifications will be of great value as she leads the Justice Department in defending the abiding principles of the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Lynch is the choice of President Obama, she is the choice of the Congressional Black Caucus, and she is the best choice for all Americans. (Photo: Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT) 

5 / 15

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield - Today is a historic day for our country as Loretta Lynch, a North Carolina native, becomes the first African-American female to serve as our nation’s top law enforcement official. Her experience and qualifications will be of great value as she leads the Justice Department in defending the abiding principles of the U.S. Constitution. Ms. Lynch is the choice of President Obama, she is the choice of the Congressional Black Caucus, and she is the best choice for all Americans. (Photo: Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT) 

ADVERTISEMENT
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) - After a 166-day waiting period, the Senate has finally confirmed Loretta Lynch as the United States Attorney General. Though her confirmation was long overdue, today marks a historic moment as the first African-American woman in United States history becomes our nation’s attorney general. From her stellar record as a federal prosecutor, to her prestigious academic pedigree, her experiences have prepared her to enforce and uphold both the letter and the spirit of the United States Constitution at the highest level. Congratulations to Ms. Lynch. I am truly looking forward to her extraordinary leadership as our nation's top law enforcement officer. (Photo: Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

6 / 15

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) - After a 166-day waiting period, the Senate has finally confirmed Loretta Lynch as the United States Attorney General. Though her confirmation was long overdue, today marks a historic moment as the first African-American woman in United States history becomes our nation’s attorney general. From her stellar record as a federal prosecutor, to her prestigious academic pedigree, her experiences have prepared her to enforce and uphold both the letter and the spirit of the United States Constitution at the highest level. Congratulations to Ms. Lynch. I am truly looking forward to her extraordinary leadership as our nation's top law enforcement officer. (Photo: Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Melanie Campbell, President, National Coalition of Black Civic Participation - We witnessed a herstory moment and witnessed a moment in history where bipartisanship won over partnership. We want to thank Sen. Mitch McConnell for finally calling the vote for Loretta Lynch to become the first Black woman and second woman in history to become U.S. attorney general. In times for such turmoil and the need for police reform we are confident that Loretta Lynch will continue on the legacy of Eric Holder. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

7 / 15

Melanie Campbell, President, National Coalition of Black Civic Participation - We witnessed a herstory moment and witnessed a moment in history where bipartisanship won over partnership. We want to thank Sen. Mitch McConnell for finally calling the vote for Loretta Lynch to become the first Black woman and second woman in history to become U.S. attorney general. In times for such turmoil and the need for police reform we are confident that Loretta Lynch will continue on the legacy of Eric Holder. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

Kamala Harris, California Attorney General - "Congratulations to #LorettaLynch on her historic confirmation as US Attorney General. #WomenLead," tweeted Harris. (Photo: Douglas C. Palmer via Flickr.com via Kamala Harris via Twitter)

8 / 15

Kamala Harris, California Attorney General - "Congratulations to #LorettaLynch on her historic confirmation as US Attorney General. #WomenLead," tweeted Harris. (Photo: Douglas C. Palmer via Flickr.com via Kamala Harris via Twitter)

Rep. Karen Bass (California) - At her confirmation hearing [Loretta Lynch] showed Congress and Americans across the country the depth of her intellect and her drive. I look forward to working with Ms. Lynch to build on the important reforms to our nation's criminal justice system undertaken by Attorney General Eric Holder. Under President Obama, our nation has made important strides in reducing draconian sentences so that our criminal justice system is both just and fair. We have much work to do, and I know that Ms. Lynch will bring a lifetime of experience and sheer intelligence to lead the Department of Justice. (Photo: Brian Cahn / Corbis)

9 / 15

Rep. Karen Bass (California) - At her confirmation hearing [Loretta Lynch] showed Congress and Americans across the country the depth of her intellect and her drive. I look forward to working with Ms. Lynch to build on the important reforms to our nation's criminal justice system undertaken by Attorney General Eric Holder. Under President Obama, our nation has made important strides in reducing draconian sentences so that our criminal justice system is both just and fair. We have much work to do, and I know that Ms. Lynch will bring a lifetime of experience and sheer intelligence to lead the Department of Justice. (Photo: Brian Cahn / Corbis)

Rep. Terri Sewell (Alabama) - I am proud to congratulate Loretta Lynch on her confirmation as U.S. attorney general. Her confirmation is a historic step for our nation and a testament to how far we have come. Ms. Lynch will undoubtedly lead the U.S. Justice Department with the same conviction for justice that she has shown as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and with the same dignity and grace she displayed throughout the confirmation process. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

10 / 15

Rep. Terri Sewell (Alabama) - I am proud to congratulate Loretta Lynch on her confirmation as U.S. attorney general. Her confirmation is a historic step for our nation and a testament to how far we have come. Ms. Lynch will undoubtedly lead the U.S. Justice Department with the same conviction for justice that she has shown as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and with the same dignity and grace she displayed throughout the confirmation process. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

ADVERTISEMENT
Donald Payne Jr. (New Jersey) - With a strong record of leadership in the private sector and a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, Ms. Lynch brings to her new position the expertise, dedication, and judgment needed to make continued progress toward ensuring our criminal justice system reflects our values as a nation. And as the first African-American woman to serve as U.S. attorney general, Ms. Lynch will offer a unique perspective that will, in my opinion, help restore confidence in our justice system and the faith of African-American communities in law enforcement. (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

11 / 15

Donald Payne Jr. (New Jersey) - With a strong record of leadership in the private sector and a distinguished career as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, Ms. Lynch brings to her new position the expertise, dedication, and judgment needed to make continued progress toward ensuring our criminal justice system reflects our values as a nation. And as the first African-American woman to serve as U.S. attorney general, Ms. Lynch will offer a unique perspective that will, in my opinion, help restore confidence in our justice system and the faith of African-American communities in law enforcement. (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Cornell William Brooks, NAACP National President - We applaud the U.S. Senate for the historic confirmation of Loretta Lynch. She will serve as a relentless defender of the rights of all Americans. …Her dedication to protecting civil rights and ensuring equal justice is deeply ingrained. Her commitment to public service is unwavering, as is her focus on improving the criminal justice system, recognizing that there is still much more work to be done to make it smarter and fairer. Ms. Lynch will lead the U.S. Department of Justice, and the United States, with an integrity and strength that is sorely needed at this time. (Photo: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

12 / 15

Cornell William Brooks, NAACP National President - We applaud the U.S. Senate for the historic confirmation of Loretta Lynch. She will serve as a relentless defender of the rights of all Americans. …Her dedication to protecting civil rights and ensuring equal justice is deeply ingrained. Her commitment to public service is unwavering, as is her focus on improving the criminal justice system, recognizing that there is still much more work to be done to make it smarter and fairer. Ms. Lynch will lead the U.S. Department of Justice, and the United States, with an integrity and strength that is sorely needed at this time. (Photo: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images)

Hilary Shelton, NAACP Washington Bureau Chief - The confirmation of Loretta Lynch by the U.S. Senate is a victory for equal justice and our nation. Her distinguished track record with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York demonstrates her extraordinary legal intelligence, courage and commitment to our justice system, as well as her fearless work to stop crime and violence. Throughout her 30-year career, she has distinguished herself as a tough, fair and independent lawyer who has twice headed one of the most prominent U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country. Her personal experiences as a child growing up in North Carolina to a fourth-generation Baptist minister and a mother who literally picked cotton so her daughter could have a better life are an inspiration to all of us. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

13 / 15

Hilary Shelton, NAACP Washington Bureau Chief - The confirmation of Loretta Lynch by the U.S. Senate is a victory for equal justice and our nation. Her distinguished track record with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York demonstrates her extraordinary legal intelligence, courage and commitment to our justice system, as well as her fearless work to stop crime and violence. Throughout her 30-year career, she has distinguished herself as a tough, fair and independent lawyer who has twice headed one of the most prominent U.S. Attorney’s offices in the country. Her personal experiences as a child growing up in North Carolina to a fourth-generation Baptist minister and a mother who literally picked cotton so her daughter could have a better life are an inspiration to all of us. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (New Jersey) - Attorney General Loretta Lynch has spent most of her career fighting to ensure that justice is offered to every American, and that the principles of freedom and equality this nation was founded upon are applied fairly in our justice system. I am confident that she will remain steadfast in her dedication to those principles as she takes a place in history that she has earned through her years of service. This is an incredible moment for our nation, as the first African-American Attorney General leaves office, and the first African-American woman takes his place. (Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

14 / 15

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (New Jersey) - Attorney General Loretta Lynch has spent most of her career fighting to ensure that justice is offered to every American, and that the principles of freedom and equality this nation was founded upon are applied fairly in our justice system. I am confident that she will remain steadfast in her dedication to those principles as she takes a place in history that she has earned through her years of service. This is an incredible moment for our nation, as the first African-American Attorney General leaves office, and the first African-American woman takes his place. (Photo: Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)

Wade Henderson, President, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights - Loretta Lynch’s confirmation [has] secured the continued legacy of fair and responsible leadership at the Justice Department by Eric Holder. Her indisputable qualifications, character, integrity, and tenacity in the face of obstruction assure us she will serve the nation with distinction. Attorney General Lynch has what it takes to serve our nation with distinction. We applaud her long overdue confirmation and urge congressional Republicans to stop politicizing the important work of the Department of Justice. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

15 / 15

Wade Henderson, President, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights - Loretta Lynch’s confirmation [has] secured the continued legacy of fair and responsible leadership at the Justice Department by Eric Holder. Her indisputable qualifications, character, integrity, and tenacity in the face of obstruction assure us she will serve the nation with distinction. Attorney General Lynch has what it takes to serve our nation with distinction. We applaud her long overdue confirmation and urge congressional Republicans to stop politicizing the important work of the Department of Justice. (Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images)