U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s office on Thursday said he lifted his opposition to a black judicial nominee from North Florida and explained why he objects to the nomination of an openly gay black Miami judge.

Brooke Sammon, a spokeswoman for Rubio, said what is called a “blue slip” will be submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee to allow a confirmation hearing for Nassau Circuit Judge Brian Davis to fill a vacancy in the Middle District of Florida.