Eric Holder, the nation’s first black attorney general, plans to announce his resignation Thursday.
Holder has been in office since 2009, making him the fourth-longest-serving attorney general in U.S. history. He’ll stay in his post until his successor is named.
A White House official said that Holder told Obama of his plans recently and that the president has not decided on a successor.
On Wednesday, two names surfaced as possible replacements: Solicitor General Donald Verrilli and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
Verrilli, who defended the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court, was confirmed 72-16 in 2011, which could make it harder for Republicans who voted for him to block his nomination.
Patrick served as assistant attorney general for civil rights under President Clinton before serving two terms as governor of the Bay State.
Either way, Obama may have an easier time getting a replacement named now, given that Republicans may control the Senate after the midterm elections in November.
Under a change in rules instituted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the attorney general nomination will only require 51 votes to pass. But Republicans could undo the rule if they take the chamber, raising the bar back to 60 votes.
Holder’s departure was not entirely surprising. He told the New Yorker in February that he planned to resign at some point in 2014.
Among the key issues faced by Holder were civil rights enforcement and the investigation and prosecution of suspected terrorists. He has also been a controversial figure, raising the ire of many over issues such as the troubled “Fast and Furious” operation.
He has been increasingly “adamant” about his desire to leave soon, to prevent being locked into staying in office for the rest of President Obama’s second term, NPR reported.
The decision was his alone — though it included several discussions with President Obama and one final meeting over Labor Day weekend at the White House, sources told NPR.
He told Justice Department staff the news Thursday morning. The leading candidate for his job is Solicitor General Don Verrilli, NPR reported.
This story was first published at 10:47 a.m. and has been updated.
