As expected, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he was nominating Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court left by the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court,” Trump said, unveiling his choice in front of an audience of around 200 people in the White House Rose Garden. “She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution, Judge Amy Coney Barrett

The move came as no surprise, as reports surfaced earlier this week that Trump would replace RBG with a conservative justice. Political insiders pegged Barrett as the favorite to fill the vacancy. Also on Trump’s shortlist of potential candidates was former Florida Supreme Court Justice Barabra Lagoa.

Republicans in the US Senate will look to act fast on the new nomination and confirm Barrett before the Nov. 3 election. According to reports, confirmation hearings are set for Oct. 12 before the 100-member Senate casts a final vote.

If confirmed, Barrett, 48, will cement a conservative majority in the high court, shifting the court right for decades to come.

Barrett, a deeply conservative jurist who passes Trump’s litmus test when it comes to defending the life of the unborn, has been lauded by Republicans for her cautious rulings on the 2nd Amendment, immigration, and the abortion.

While Barrett is garnering mainstream attention, many GOP officials in the Sunshine State have also weighed in on the newly nominated judge. Republicans in Florida have praised both Trump and Barrett, calling the nomination a win for those who value the Constitution.

I applaud President @realDonaldTrump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to service on the U.S. Supreme Court.

She is a brilliant legal mind who understands the proper and distinct roles of the three branches of government. Read my statement on today’s #SCOTUS announcement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bHKbecPoyQ

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 26, 2020

Just watched the Rose Garden remarks with two apolitical women.

Both deeply impressed with Amy Coney Barrett.

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 26, 2020

Thank you @RealDonaldTrump. Promises made, promises kept! #MAGA https://t.co/oFmEbaLuOT

— Joe Gruters (@JoeGruters) September 26, 2020

2/2 Every testimonial and comment by her friends and colleagues, from across the political spectrum, paints Judge Amy Coney Barrett as a person of towering intellect and deep humility. @realDonaldTrump has nominated the best person for the job, and she deserves to be confirmed.

— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) September 26, 2020

#JudgeBarrett is an extraordinary legal mind, will uphold the rule of law, is committed to the Constitution, and has the right experience to join the @SCOTUS #sayfie #flapol pic.twitter.com/BTLnnxms4V

— Paul Renner (@Paul_Renner) September 26, 2020

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.