AUSTIN, Texas -- The general counsel to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been confirmed to serve as a judge on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz announced the confirmation of Andrew Oldham to the appeals court seat after a vote Wednesday by the full Senate. The two Texas Republicans had recommended Oldham to President Donald Trump for the 5th Circuit Court vacancy.

Before his present position on Abbott's staff, the University of Virginia law school graduate served as deputy solicitor general for the state of Texas and an attorney for the Washington, D.C., law firm Kellogg Hansen Todd Figen and Frederick.

Before beginning his practice, Oldham served as a law clerk to two federal appellate judges, including Justice Samuel Alito at the U.S. Supreme Court.