Former State Dept. official with ties to Blinken and Obama still needs to be confirmed by Senate, though no major opposition expected

Nides, a former State Dept. official with ties to Blinken and Obama, had been seen as early favorite, but former congressman got jolt of support from Jewish groups and lawmakers

After lesser known banking executive emerges as frontrunner for envoy post, Jewish groups and lawmakers make frenzied push in favor of Robert Wexler, who they say is more qualified

According to Washington Post, Jewish banking official and former deputy secretary of state has edged out others, including Michael Adler, who will likely be ambassador to Belgium