Updated at 3:20 p.m.: Revised to include comment from Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

AUSTIN — President Donald Trump has tapped Gov. Greg Abbott’s general counsel, Andrew Oldham, to serve as a judge on the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

The announcement Tuesday comes after Abbott named Oldham to the position Jan. 2, when former general counsel Jimmy Blacklock was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court. Abbott said at the time that he looked forward to working with Oldham and thanked him for his service to the state.

"Andy is a brilliant mind with a strong legal background, having served as Legal Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice and as a law clerk to Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. on the United States Supreme Court," Abbott said in a January press release. "Not only does his background reflect his robust understanding of the Constitution and the rule of law, but Andy has proven himself as a dedicated public servant and a trusted legal advisor in the General Counsel's office."

Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the president's decision to nominate Oldham and noted that it was the fifth time Trump chose someone connected to the attorney general's office to fill a court vacancy.

"Along with being one of the brightest legal minds around, Andy Oldham has a proven and distinguished record of excellence, professionalism and public service," Paxton said in a news release. "Judges who adhere to the Constitution and rule of law are desperately needed today, and I'm confident that Andy will faithfully fulfill that duty when his nomination to the 5th Circuit is confirmed."

Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz also gave their support for Oldham's nomination, and both said they look forward to the Senate quickly confirming his appointment.

"I was very pleased to recommend to the President that he nominate Andy Oldham to this vacancy on the Fifth Circuit," Cruz said in a press release Tuesday. "Andy is a dedicated public servant who has spent a career defending Texas and the Constitution. His expertise and commitment to the rule of law will make him a strong addition to the bench."

Oldham served as deputy solicitor general in the Texas attorney general's office before he was general counsel and has represented Texas twice at the U.S. Supreme Court. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Harvard.

Once confirmed by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate, he would replace 5th Circuit judge Edward Prado, whom Trump nominated for ambassador to Argentina.