Thursday's Senate vote fell largely along party lines.
Most Republicans voted against her confirmation saying she would bring a personal bias and liberal agenda to the bench. Democrats say she's a mainstream moderate.
"She's taking her intelligence and her commitment and her insightfulness to help serve people in our judiciary system," said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, (D) 4th District.
"I think it's just a fantastic choice and I think it's just a great role model for all the young people. I mean Latinos are becoming a big part of this nation and I think it just sends out a great message," said Billy Ocasio, senior adviser to Gov. Pat Quinn.
Sotomayor replaces retiring liberal justice David Souter. Her confirmation is not expected to alter the court's ideological split.
