After withdrawing the president’s first ATF nominee, David Chipman, in September, the White House is expected to pick someone who could have a smoother path to Senate confirmation. If Biden’s next nominee is able to secure 50 votes, it would be the first time the ATF has had a permanent director since 2015.
During an unsuccessful run for attorney general of Ohio in 2018, [Steve] Dettelbach called for reinstating the assault weapons ban and universal background checks on gun purchases—two positions that have sparked GOP opposition to past nominees. A U.S. attorney from 2009 to 2016, he sought a return to that post last year. He has supporters in high places. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) has been pushing him as a nominee for ATF director, according to four people familiar with the conversations.
Brown’s office said the senator frequently advocates for qualified candidates for all positions, noting his support for Biden’s Supreme Court pick and federal reserve candidates. Brown’s office added that the senator is especially happy when those qualified nominees are Ohioans. …
Multiple people said the White House was also eyeing National Police Week in mid May as a potential time to announce the new nominee. The White House declined to comment.
— Laura Barron Lopez and Christpher Cadelago in Biden to take second crack at filling top gun official role
