TOPEKA (AP) — The Kansas Senate has unanimously confirmed the appointment of Sen. Jay Emler to the state commission that regulates utilities.

The vote Thursday was 38-0 on Gov. Sam Brownback’s appointment of the former Senate majority leader to the Kansas Corporation Commission. Emler abstained, and another senator was absent.

The KCC scheduled Emler’s swearing-in ceremony for Friday afternoon.

Emler is a Lindsborg Republican who has served in the Senate since 2001. He is a former chairman of the chamber’s Utilities Committee and served as majority leader in 2011 and 2012.

Emler is giving up his Senate seat to serve a four-year term on the KCC. He will replace former KCC Chairman Mark Sievers, who stepped down in December citing personal reasons