Two red-state Senate Democrats on Thursday said they will vote for President Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

In a statement, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampCentrists, progressives rally around Harris pick for VP 70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents Susan Collins set to play pivotal role in impeachment drama MORE (N.D.) said she supports Scott Pruitt’s nomination to EPA administrator. A spokesman for Sen. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinBiden promises Democratic senators help in battleground states Senate leaders quash talk of rank-and-file COVID-19 deal OVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' MORE said the West Virginian will also vote to confirm him.

“Once Mr. Pruitt is confirmed to lead EPA, I’ll work to make sure EPA focuses on smart regulation and works with states and local communities to address issues like the unworkable Waters of the U.S. rule and the punitive final Clean Power Plan rules,” Heitkamp said in a statement, referencing two controversial Obama-era EPA regulations.

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“Though I have concerns about his commitment to a comprehensive energy strategy that includes renewables and his commitment to reduce emissions to protect our air and water, I’ll work to hold Pruitt accountable and make sure North Dakota’s interests are heard.”

Both Heitkamp and Manchin are expected to face tough reelection fights in conservative, energy-producing states next year. Heitkamp said Thursday she will also support Trump’s picks to lead the Interior and Energy Departments.

The Democrats’ support for Pruitt solidifies his standing ahead of a confirmation vote expected on Friday.

Though GOP Sen. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsThe Hill's Campaign Report: Biden asks if public can trust vaccine from Trump ahead of Election Day | Oklahoma health officials raised red flags before Trump rally Gideon leads Collins by 12 points in Maine Senate race: poll Senate leaders quash talk of rank-and-file COVID-19 deal MORE (Maine) came out against Pruitt’s nomination on Wednesday, that defection will be offset by support from Heitkamp and Manchin, and no other Republican has said they will vote against Pruitt.

The Senate kicked off floor debate on Pruitt’s nomination on Thursday, with Republicans hailing him as a potential agent of change at the EPA.

“Over the past eight years the political leaders of the EPA have taken actions that have undermined the American people’s faith in the agency,” Sen. John Barrasso John Anthony BarrassoOVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling bipartisan energy bill The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump, Biden battle over vaccine, economy; Congress returns MORE (R-Wyo.) said.

As Oklahoma’s attorney general, Pruitt “worked to protect the environment in his state while also working for the benefit of the people,” Barrasso said.

But Democrats say Pruitt will erode the agenda’s agenda and favor fossil fuel interests over that of the environment, noting his career suing the EPA during his tenure in Oklahoma.

“Never have I been forced to consider a candidate to lead the EPA who has been so focused throughout his career on crippling the agency he now hopes to lead," Sen. Tom Carper Thomas (Tom) Richard CarperDemocrat asks for probe of EPA's use of politically appointed lawyers Overnight Energy: Study links coronavirus mortality to air pollution exposure | Low-income, minority households pay more for utilities: report OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium MORE (D-Del.) said.

—Timothy Cama contributed.