The New Jersey Senate Committee advanced the nomination of Matt Platkin to be Attorney General, paving the way for a vote by the full Senate.

The vote was 8-2, with all Democrats and one Republican, Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), voting yes. Two Republicans voted no and a third was not present.

Platkin, who has previously served as Governor Murphy’s chief counsel, earned the praise of state Senator Bob Singer (R-Lakewood), who noted that Platkin has long been an ally of Lakewood and Jewish people across the state.

“Our Jewish community in Lakewood and surrounding towns has been targeted with hate crimes, stabbings, and vile anti-Semitic social media posts in recent years,” Singer said in a statement.

“Whenever those issues arose, Matt Platkin was a partner in helping us to protect the rights of our community and fight for justice. He did that as chief counsel to the governor, and I have no doubt he’ll continue to do it once he’s confirmed as Attorney General.”

In a statement of his own, Platkin said he is “humbled by the bipartisan support of the Judiciary Committee.”

“I am grateful for and humbled by the bipartisan support of the Judiciary Committee,” Platkin said.

“I appreciate the opportunity to answer questions about my priorities as Attorney General, and to discuss the recent accomplishments of our office. I want to thank Governor Murphy for his trust and support in nominating me to serve the people of this state as New Jersey’s Attorney General,” he continued, adding that “I look forward to receiving consideration of the full Senate.”

Platkin is expected to be confirmed when the full senate reconvenes in the fall.