Governor Brian Sandoval (R-Nev.) has reportedly withdrawn his name from being considered as a Supreme Court justice nominee to replace the late Antonin Scalia, according to a tweet from Silver State journalist Jon Ralston.
Breaking: Sandoval takes himself out of consideration for SCOTUS.
— Jon Ralston (@RalstonReports) February 25, 2016
"Earlier today, I notified the White House that I do not wish to be considered at this time for possible nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States," Sandoval said in a brief statement.
The news comes just one day after reports indicated that the White House was considering picking Sandoval, a centrist former federal judge who served as Nevada governor since 2011, to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, reported Fox News. The move was seen as potential play to challenge senate Republicans who vowed not to consider any nominee that President Barack Obama put forward, likely due to the preconception that Obama would push for a liberal justice to tilt the balance of power in the Supreme Court.
At the time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) maintained his pledge of "no action," saying that nominating a Republican would make no difference. This sentiment was echoed by No. 2 Senate Republican Majority Leader John Cornyn of Texas who said, "This is not about the personality," according to the Washington Post.
In his statement, Sandoval added that he had spoken to McConnell as well as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), before making his announcement.
"I have also spoken to Senators Reid, Heller and McConnell and expressed the same desire to them. The notion of being considered for a seat on the highest court in the land is beyond humbling and I am incredibly grateful to have been mentioned," the statement said, according to The Hill.
Heller, who based on prior comments appeared willing to support Sandoval should a nomination come his way, released a statement following Sandoval's announcement.
"As a friend and former colleague of Governor Sandoval's, I believe he is eminently qualified for this position. But, I support his decision to withdraw his name from consideration for the Supreme Court vacancy. I hope the next President will consider him in the future," Heller said.
