Less than two weeks ago, Paul had described himself as "honestly undecided" about the nomination. | Alex Wong/Getty Images Rand Paul backs Kavanaugh for Supreme Court

Sen. Rand Paul announced his support for Brett Kavanaugh on Monday, cutting short speculation over whether the Kentucky Republican might actually oppose President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee over his record on privacy.

Paul released a statement citing the Supreme Court's June ruling in Carpenter v. United States, which broadly limited law enforcement's ability to monitor individuals using cell phone data without a warrant, as a "new precedent" leaving him hopeful that "Judge Kavanaugh will be more open to a Fourth Amendment that protects digital records and property."


“Of course, my vote is not a single-issue vote, and much of my reading and conversation has been in trying to figure out exactly how good Judge Kavanaugh will be on other issues before the Court," Paul added in his statement of support.

Although few in either party believed that Paul ultimately would oppose Kavanaugh, particularly after the libertarian-leaning senator reversed himself and voted to confirm Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the Monday announcement brings Republicans a big step closer to their ultimate goal: the 50 votes necessary to get Trump's Supreme Court pick confirmed.

Less than two weeks ago, Paul had described himself as "honestly undecided" about the nomination.

Trump praised Paul on Monday evening in a tweet.

“Thank you to @RandPaul for your YES on a future great Justice of the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh,“ he wrote. “Your vote means a lot to me, and to everyone who loves our Country!“

Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the moderate Republicans facing the party's biggest pressure campaigns over the nomination, are unlikely to announce their stances on Kavanaugh ahead of his confirmation hearings.

Neither senator has arranged a meeting with the nominee yet, and Murkowski said last week that she may opt for a second sitdown with Kavanaugh after his still-unscheduled confirmation hearing.