U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., intends to vote to confirm CIA Director Mike Pompeo as secretary of state, the senator announced Wednesday -- delivering President Donald Trump a key vote as Pompeo looks to overcome a rocky confirmation battle.

Jones' decision came nearly a week after he met with Pompeo, where the senator told Pompeo that he was concerned about "certain troubling statements" that he made when he was a congressman, including his defense of torture and anti-Muslim comments.

However, Jones said that Pompeo is qualified to run the State Department.

"He gave me his word that, as Secretary of State, diplomacy would always be his first priority and he would ensure that our nation continues to be a leader in protecting human rights and the dignity of all people. If he is confirmed, I will join my colleagues both in working with him to tackle the very serious challenges and threats we face as a nation, as well as to provide continued oversight of his and his department's actions," Jones said.

The senator, who took office earlier this year and was not in the Senate to vote on Pompeo's nomination as CIA director, said Pompeo "has demonstrated the ability to be an effective operator on the world stage" in that role."

"I also believe his perspective having worked in the intelligence community will be valuable given the national security challenges he would face as secretary on day one," Jones said.

The senator, who campaigned on being above party politics, announced his decision after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that he would be voting against Pompeo.