The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Loretta Lynch as President Barack Obama’s next attorney general.

With a confirming vote of 56 “yea” to 43 “nay,” Lynch will become the first black woman to become the top U.S. law enforcement official.

She had awaited confirmation since November when Obama, a fellow Harvard Law School graduate, nominated her to replace Eric Holder. He was expected to step aside early next week so Lynch can take over as head of the U.S. Justice Department.

Despite the delay, Lynch was widely seen as less controversial than Holder, who often clashed with Republicans. She has said she aims to smooth relations with Congress.