Tulsi Gabbard’s father, Mike Gabbard, also pivoted from anti-gay activism to a career in local politics in Hawaii. He mounted a House bid in 2004 and fielded questions about his extensive ties to Butler and the group’s past attempts to back candidates. Mike Gabbard described himself as a “Catholic” who was “eternally thankful to Chris Butler.”

Senators voted 52-48 to confirm Gabbard, with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) joining all 47 Democrats in opposition.