Senate confirms Christopher Wray to succeed James Comey as head of FBI

Christopher Wray was confirmed Tuesday as the new director of the FBI, almost three months after President Trump controversially fired his predecessor James Comey amid the ongoing investigation into Russian election interference and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.

Wray’s confirmation passed by a 92-5 margin. The votes in opposition came from five Democrats, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, and Ron Wyden, D-Ore. No nominee for the position, which has required senate confirmation since 1973, has ever received more than one “no” vote.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to recommend Wray’s confirmation earlier this month.

During his testimony before the committee, Wray pledged that under his direction the agency would strive to maintain its independence, a key statement for Democrats, who noted Comey’s claim that Trump asked the former director for his loyalty. The president denied that such a request was made.

“If I am given the honor of leading this agency, I will never allow the FBI’s work to be driven by anything other than the facts, the law and the impartial pursuit of justice,” said Wray.

Source: Senate confirms Christopher Wray to succeed James Comey as head of FBI – ABC News