Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth narrowly earned enough Republican support to clear a key Senate hurdle and is now all but assured confirmation.

A procedural test vote on Mr. Hegseth’s nomination succeeded, 51-49.

He is now poised to join President Trump’s Cabinet after weathering blistering attacks about being a drunk, abusing women and mismanaging veterans organizations he ran.

The Senate has to hold 30 hours of further debate on Mr. Hegseth’s nomination before a final confirmation vote unless all 100 senators agree to give back some of that time. Democrats have signaled they do not plan to do so, meaning Mr. Hegseth will not be confirmed until Friday night.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer called Mr. Hegseth “one of the worst” Trump nominees and said he is “utterly unqualified” to lead the Defense Department. The New York Democrat said it is worth spending an extra day or two to thoroughly examine nominees who will hold great positions of power.

“Our idea is to let the whole truth come out,” Mr. Schumer said. “If they try to rush them through, we don’t want that to happen.”

Two Republicans voted against advancing Mr. Hegseth’s nomination: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Mr. Hegseth, an Army combat veteran and former Fox News host, faced concerns about his qualifications to lead the Defense Department, which has more than 3 million military and civilian employees and a nearly $850 billion annual budget.

He also faced allegations of personal misconduct, including sexual assault, excessive drinking, spousal abuse and financial mismanagement of two veterans organizations he ran. Mr. Hegseth denied the accusations and was able to convince most Republicans that they were just political smears.

Ms. Murkowski cited the allegations among her concerns, including other behaviors Mr. Hegseth has admitted to, including infidelity.

“These behaviors starkly contrast the values and discipline expected of servicemembers,” she said. “Men and women in uniform are held accountable for such actions, and they deserve leaders who uphold these same standards.”

Ms. Murkowski said character is the defining trait that Mr. Hegseth lacked but she also expressed reservations about his policy positions.

“Although he has recently revised his statements on women in combat since being nominated, I remain concerned about the message that confirming Mr. Hegseth sends to women currently serving and those aspiring to join,” she said.

Ms. Collins said she was not convinced that Mr. Hegseth’s position against women serving in combat roles has changed, despite her conversations with him on the subject. She also said he did not commit to following U.S. laws in regards to rules of engagement and torture.

“I am concerned that he does not have the experience and perspective necessary to succeed in the job,” Ms. Collins said.

• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.