A third Democratic senator has pledged to support Neil Gorsuch

A third Democratic senator has pledged to break ranks with the rest of his caucus and support Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) said in a statement Sunday that after meeting with Gorsuch he believes Gorsuch is a "qualified jurist."

"After meeting with Judge Gorsuch, conducting a thorough review of his record, and closely following his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, I believe that he is a qualified jurist who will base his decisions on his understanding of the law and is well-respected among his peers," Donnelly said in a statement Sunday.

He added that he was "disappointed" how Merrick Garland was treated and said that he believes the Senate should adhere to the 60 vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees when they vote on Gorsuch's nomination.

Donnelly is just the third Democratic senator to pledge his support to Gorsuch. Sens. Heidi Heitkamp (N.D.) and Joe Manchin (W.Va.) said last week that they were going to vote for Gorsuch.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Gorsuch's nomination on Monday while the full Senate is expected to vote later in the week. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Sunday that Gorsuch "will be" confirmed this week and it's up to Democrats how that will happen.