By a vote of 68-31 Thursday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Bronx-born federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice of the Supreme Court.

The 55-year-old federal appeals court judge, who will be the third woman to serve on the nation's highest court, will be replacing Justice David Souter.

The Senate mostly voted along party lines, but nine Republicans joined 59 Democrats in approving Sotomayor's nomination.

The Associated Press reported that Sotomayor watched the final vote on television, surrounded by friends and colleagues in Manhattan's federal courthouse.

In a White House press conference, President Barack Obama, who nominated Sotomayor in May, praised the vote.

"With this historic vote, the Senate has affirmed that Judge Sotomayor has the intellect, the temperament, the history, the integrity and the independence of mind to ably serve on our nation's highest court," said Obama.

Speaking for the Hispanic members of Congress, New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez said he was proud that the first Latino member of the Supreme Court was so "eminently qualified."

The vast majority of Republican senators, however, say that Sotomayor is unfit for the bench and that she will be an activist judge.

"Our goal through this process has not been to block this nomination and to stop her from going to the Supreme Court. The votes have never been there to do that," said Republican South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint. "What we have been trying to show is a pattern here by the Obama administration and the Democrat majority of moving towards more and more government control in all areas of our lives."

Meanwhile, Latino civil rights activists celebrated Sotomayor's confirmation at various viewing parties across the city.

For 12 years, the Bronx native served as a board member for a coalition of 25 Latino advocacy groups until 1992, when she left to became a judge.

"She represents us. We're just so proud of her like a mother, sister, or family member. Like it almost happened to us," said Claims Court Judge Faviolo Soto.

"Our hearts are bursting with pride and joy. This day means that hard work and commitment will reap rewards for you," said Bronx Civil Courts Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.

"I don't think Puerto Ricans and Latinos in New York City ever thought that they'd see one of their own become a member in what is the most exclusive club, the most powerful club in America -- the nine members of the Supreme Court. And no one is more deserving than Sonia Sotomayor," said Latino Justice PRLDEF President Cesar Perales.

Supporters are also hoping her confirmation will inspire young Hispanics to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Sotomayor grew up in the Bronx, graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School in 1972 and then graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School.

Sotomayor has served as a judge since 1992 and has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since 1998.

She will take the oath of office first in a private ceremony Saturday, and then later will be the first Supreme Court justice to take the oath in a public, televised event that will be carried live on NY1.