The Senate on Thursday confirmed Steven Menashi to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, bringing an end to a confirmation battle that at times drew ire from members of both parties toward the judicial nominee.

The Senate confirmed Menashi 51 to 41, largely along party lines. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, broke with her party to vote against the nominee. Menashi's confirmation flips the Second Circuit to a majority of Republican appointees.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaking on the Senate floor ahead of Menashi's vote, said the nominee had advanced from the Senate Judiciary Committee "on the basis of strong academic and legal qualifications," including "experience in both teaching and practicing law