In a largely party-line vote that underscored Washington’s deep judicial divisions, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. to serve as a federal judge for the Northern District of Alabama.
The vote — 51 to 47 — came after hours of debate on the Senate floor, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over LaCour’s record on voting rights, redistricting, and constitutional interpretation. The confirmation fills the vacancy left by Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler, who retired earlier this year after more than two decades on the bench.
A Long Path to the Federal Bench
LaCour’s confirmation marks the end of a five-year political journey. Originally nominated by then-President Donald Trump in 2020, his appointment was stalled at the time by Alabama’s former Democratic senator, Doug Jones, who exercised the traditional “blue slip” privilege to block the nomination from advancing.
With both of Alabama’s Senate seats now held by Republicans — Sen. Katie Britt and Sen. Tommy Tuberville — LaCour’s path to confirmation this year was much smoother.
“Eddie LaCour represents the best of Alabama’s legal community,” Sen. Britt said following the vote. “His deep respect for the Constitution, his sharp intellect, and his commitment to public service will make him an exceptional addition to our federal judiciary.”
A Distinguished Legal Background
At 44 years old, LaCour has spent the last six years as Solicitor General of Alabama, a role that placed him at the forefront of the state’s most consequential legal battles. Appointed by Attorney General Steve Marshall in 2019, LaCour quickly became known for his precise constitutional arguments and his frequent appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts.
During his tenure, LaCour argued and oversaw high-profile cases involving election integrity, redistricting, and federal-state authority — issues that have defined Alabama’s position in national legal debates.
Among the most notable was Allen v. Milligan, the landmark redistricting case decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023. The Court ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act by failing to create a second majority-Black congressional district. LaCour, representing the state, defended Alabama’s map as constitutionally sound, arguing that the Voting Rights Act should not require states to draw districts primarily based on race.
While the Supreme Court ultimately rejected Alabama’s arguments, legal scholars noted that LaCour’s defense reflected a coherent and sophisticated interpretation of constitutional principles — one that continues to influence Republican-led challenges across the country.
“Edmund LaCour is part of a new generation of conservative legal thinkers who blend originalism with a deep respect for institutional precedent,” said Dr. Raymond Kerr, a constitutional law professor at the University of Alabama. “Even when you disagree with his conclusions, you can’t deny the intellectual rigor behind his arguments.”
Bipartisan Reactions and Partisan Divides
As with many recent judicial confirmations, the vote for LaCour was sharply divided along party lines. All Republican senators voted in favor, while most Democrats opposed, citing concerns about his record on voting rights and civil liberties.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) expressed reservations before the vote, saying, “Mr. LaCour’s approach to voting rights cases and his interpretations of federal power raise real questions about whether he will protect equal access to the ballot and uphold civil rights protections.”
Republicans, however, defended LaCour as a model jurist who would apply the law impartially. Sen. Tuberville praised his track record, saying, “He’s done an outstanding job as Alabama’s Solicitor General and has shown a deep understanding of constitutional law. I’m proud to see him take this next step in his career.”
Trump’s Ongoing Judicial Legacy
LaCour’s confirmation is part of a broader push by President Trump to reshape the federal judiciary with judges who embrace textualist and originalist philosophies. Since returning to office earlier this year, Trump has prioritized filling judicial vacancies, particularly in southern states, where several long-standing seats had remained open.
In the past six months alone, the Senate has confirmed three federal judges from Alabama: Edmund LaCour, former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bill Lewis, and Huntsville attorney Hal Mooty. Together, they mark a significant shift in the state’s federal judiciary, ensuring that Trump’s judicial legacy will continue to shape Alabama’s courts for decades.
“Between LaCour, Lewis, and Mooty, Alabama now has a bench filled with strong, principled jurists who will uphold the Constitution and resist judicial activism,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. “This is a victory for Alabama — and for the rule of law.”
Supporters Praise Legal Expertise
Supporters on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged LaCour’s extensive legal experience. Over the course of his career, he has filed over 100 briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and argued three cases personally — an unusually high number for a state solicitor general.
“He’s one of the brightest legal minds I’ve ever worked with,” said Rebecca Collins, a former colleague at the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. “Eddie’s approach to the law is straightforward: apply the Constitution as written, and let the political branches make the political decisions.”
LaCour, for his part, kept his remarks brief following the confirmation, saying in a written statement:
“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Alabama. I am deeply grateful for the confidence the Senate has placed in me and will approach my new role with humility, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution.”
A New Chapter for Alabama’s Judiciary
With his confirmation now complete, LaCour will soon take his oath of office and begin hearing cases in the Northern District of Alabama, which covers Birmingham, Huntsville, and surrounding regions.
Legal observers expect him to handle a wide range of cases, from civil rights disputes to complex business litigation — areas where his experience in appellate law will likely prove invaluable.
As the 2026 judicial calendar begins, Alabama’s federal courts will enter the year with a renewed bench, strengthened by new appointments and guided by a conservative judicial philosophy that emphasizes limited government and constitutional fidelity.
“Judge LaCour’s presence will be felt not just in Alabama but across the entire Eleventh Circuit,” said Professor Kerr. “He’s young, capable, and part of a generation of jurists who are redefining how the Constitution is interpreted in modern America.”