Questions of independence, loyalty and the firing of former FBI Director James Comey dominated Wednesday's Senate Judiciary hearing on the nomination of Christopher Wray to lead to the FBI.

By the end of the hearing, Democrats on the committee appeared to be largely supportive of Wray, a partner at King & Spalding and former leader of the DOJ's Criminal Division under President George W. Bush. Still, lawmakers repeatedly questioned him on whether he believed Russia interfered with the 2016 election, what he would do if asked by the White House to cease any investigations, and whether he discussed Comey's firing with senior officials in his interview process. Unlike other nominees, there were few questions about Wray's former clients in private practice, who include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and companies like Johnson & Johnson and Wells Fargo.

During the nearly five-hour hearing, several senators asked Wray if he had been asked to pledge loyalty to the president, what he would do if asked, and whether Wray was prepared to resign in certain circumstances.