Former NFL star Herschel Walker has been officially confirmed by the United States Senate as the next US ambassador to The Bahamas, marking the end of a 13-year vacancy in the position. Walker, a 63-year-old Georgia native, becomes the first individual to hold the role since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The US Embassy in Nassau confirmed the Senate’s decision, expressing eagerness to welcome Walker after he receives his presidential commission and is sworn in. His exact arrival date in New Providence remains uncertain but is expected to occur after the end of the month, causing him to miss the upcoming wedding of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, who has led the embassy since 2024. The official ambassador’s residence, Liberty Overlook, will be prepared for his arrival after sitting unused for over a decade. Walker was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, who returned to office following his election victory that year. During his Senate confirmation hearing in September, Walker outlined his priorities, including countering China’s influence in the region, enhancing anti-drug trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and promoting US investment to foster local prosperity. His confirmation was secured by a 51 to 47 vote, making him one of over 100 nominees approved by the Senate. Walker’s illustrious career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. He has also been a national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, advocating for mental health awareness among military personnel. From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for over 18 years, he led National Health Through Fitness Day, connecting fitness advocates with lawmakers to promote physical education. Walker entered politics in 2022 as a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Georgia but faced defeat amid controversy over allegations of domestic abuse and claims of hypocrisy regarding his anti-abortion stance. His appointment concludes a prolonged period of delays in filling the US ambassador post, with nominees across three administrations failing to secure confirmation. The Bahamas was one of only five countries, including Bolivia and Cuba, without a US ambassador for over a decade. A US State Department spokesperson praised Walker’s appointment, stating he would champion the ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda and advance US interests in the Bahamas, located less than 60 miles from Florida.