Pete Hegseth cleared a procedural hurdle Thursday to advance his confirmation to lead the Defense Department for a final Senate vote, setting up a high-stakes showdown.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski announced that she would not back President Donald Trump’s controversial Pentagon nominee, and Maine Senator Susan Collins has also voiced her disapproval.

The Senate narrowly advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary on Thursday in a 51-49 vote, moving him one step closer to confirmation despite fierce objections from Senate Democrats and mounting unease among some Republicans.

Senators voted 51-49 to advance Hegseth's defense secretary bid, which has been mired in a series of controversies. Two Republicans are opposed to Hegseth.

Collins was one of two Republican senators to break ranks and oppose Hegseth Thursday, but it didn't stop the nomination from moving forward.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), one of two Republicans to vote against advancing Pete Hegseth’s nomination to serve as secretary of Defense, said Thursday he “does not have the management experience

Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Angus King voted against Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense, but he still advanced to a final confirmation vote.

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he paid $50,000 to a woman who alleged he sexually assaulted her as part of a non-disclosure agreement,

Republicans say they are confident that Hegseth, who has been accused of alcohol and domestic abuse, will ultimately be confirmed to lead the Pentagon.