WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate confirmed Thomas Govan Jr. and Phil Williams Jr. on Monday to serve as U.S. attorneys in Alabama.
In a party-line vote, senators approved the two nominations as part of a broader package of 49 total confirmations. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., voted to support the package. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who is campaigning for governor, missed the vote.
Govan will serve as the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, which includes Montgomery and Dothan. He will replace Kevin P. Davidson, the current acting chief federal prosecutor in the district. Louis V. Franklin Sr., who retired in 2021, was the last U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Alabama to be confirmed by the Senate.
“His expertise, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the legal system provide him with an incredible foundation on which to serve our great state,” Britt, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said. “I look forward to seeing how his leadership as a U.S. Attorney brings violent criminals to justice, upholds the rule of law, and strengthens public safety for communities across Alabama.”
Govan has served as the chief of the Criminal Trials Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s office. He previously ran unsuccessfully for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 2024.
Williams will be the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. The district covers Birmingham, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa.
“U.S. Attorneys play a critical role in ensuring the Department of Justice faithfully executes the law, keeps criminals off our streets, and ensures public safety across the country,” Britt said. “I’m glad to see two out of three of the President’s U.S. Attorney nominees confirmed to their positions in Alabama, and I know our great state will be stronger and safer as a result.”
Previously, Williams managed Williams, King & Associates, before it merged with Long & Associates after he was nominated to the U.S. attorney position.
A Republican state senator from 2010 to 2018, Williams also served as the chief policy officer at the Alabama Policy Institute.
Williams will replace acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby.
A U.S. attorney typically serves for four years or until a new appointment is made. Interim appointments are also possible.
Earlier this year, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the two Alabamians out of committee along party lines. The top Democrat on the committee objected to Williams’ nomination due to his past statements about Jan. 6, 2021, and his vocal support of the Trump administration on his conservative radio program.
President Donald Trump, backed by Britt and Tuberville, tapped Govan and Williams to serve as U.S. attorneys last October.