The U.S. Senate voted 48-43 (with nine not voting) Thursday to confirm Atlanta lawyer J. Randolph “Randy” Evans as President Donald Trump's choice for ambassador to Luxembourg.

“As a lifelong Georgian, Randy Evans has served his state and country with distinction in both the public and private sectors,” Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said in a news release Thursday congratulating Evans. “He understands the complex issues the United States faces across the globe and is committed to maintaining strong relationships with our European allies. I'm excited that finally today the Senate voted to confirm President Trump's excellent choice of Randy Evans for this post, and I know our country will be represented by our nation's very best in Luxembourg.”

It was a long wait for Evans. Trump nominated him to the position last September. His confirmation hearing was in November. His nomination expired at the end of the year without a vote. Trump nominated Evans for the post again in January. Since then, senators have been juggling politics and votes to find time for his and other confirmations. The vote came at 12:47 p.m. Thursday.

“I am delighted that Randy Evans has been confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg,” Senator Johnny Isakson, (R-GA) said in a news release. “Randy is a distinguished attorney, and he is exactly the person we need to have in a place of such strategic importance to the United States.”

“From the dirt roads of Dublin to the Oval Office and now to the wonderful Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, through God's good graces, I have and will always carry in my heart an undying love for our country and an unequivocal commitment to serve to the very best of my abilities.” Evans said Thursday by email.

“I am grateful to President Trump for giving me this opportunity and to Senators Isakson and Perdue who made today's confirmation happen. So many friends have stepped forward to offer encouragement and support beginning with former Speaker Newt Gingrich, [Vice President Mike Pence's] Chief of Staff, Nick Ayers, and my longtime friend and colleague Stefan Passantino. As I go, I do want everyone to know Georgia will always be on my mind.”

Evans has already announced plans to leave his law firm, Dentons, by the end of June. He has served as co-chair of Gov. Nathan Deal's Judicial Nominating Commission, but Deal's second and final term will end in December.

Evans is known for his roles as an adviser to high-profile Republican politicians such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who also recently left Dentons. Evans has also served as general counsel to the Republican Party of Georgia and as a member of the Republican National Committee.

Evans told the Daily Report after his nomination that he's interested in serving as ambassador to Luxembourg because it's a financial center.

“Having chaired the financial institutions practice at Dentons and [predecessor firm] McKenna, it suited my skill set—especially in light of Brexit,” Evans said.

He noted that financial institutions and other entities are considering their options for what kind of connection they will have to the EU after the United Kingdom exits. And corporations have a strong interest in Luxembourg, which is a tax safe haven.

Dentons US CEO Mike McNamara and US Chairman Jeff Haidet released the following statement after the vote: “On behalf of our colleagues, we congratulate our partner Randy Evans on his confirmation to serve as the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg.   We extend every good wish to Randy and Linda as they prepare to assume this important post on behalf of the president.”