The Senate Intelligence Committee is set to vote Tuesday on whether to move forward with Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as the next director of national intelligence. The decision could be a close call, with Democrats firmly opposed and Republicans walking a fine line.

If all nine Republicans on the 17-member committee back Gabbard, her nomination will head to the full Senate. However, just one Republican vote against her could force Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pull out some procedural tricks to bring it to a vote. If two Republicans break ranks, her chances of confirmation are likely toast.

Gabbard’s unusual views on Russia and Syria, along with her past as a Democratic congresswoman, have made her nomination one of the trickiest for President Trump’s cabinet picks. Still, her supporters are optimistic, especially after a bizarre twist involving Elon Musk.

Over the weekend, Musk called Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, a “deep state puppet” on social media. Young had grilled Gabbard during her hearing, making him a potential swing vote. Musk later deleted the post and said he’d spoken with Young, calling him a future ally. Gabbard’s team sees this as a sign Young might now support her.

During her hearing last week, Gabbard faced tough questions about her stance on Russia, Syria, and former whistleblower Edward Snowden. While she refused to label Snowden a traitor, she acknowledged his actions were illegal but highlighted his role in exposing government surveillance overreach. She also promised to create safer channels for whistleblowers to report abuses.

In a recent Newsweek essay, Gabbard argued that Trump’s election was a push to reform intelligence agencies she claims have been “weaponized” against conservatives. She pledged to deliver unbiased intelligence if confirmed.

The vote Tuesday could make or break her chances. Stay tuned!