Senate Confirms Edmund LaCour as Federal Judge in Alabama

In a narrow 51–47 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. to the federal bench for the Northern District of Alabama, filling the vacancy left by Judge L. Scott Coogler’s retirement. The largely party-line vote followed hours of heated debate, with Democrats and Republicans clashing over LaCour’s record on voting rights, redistricting, and constitutional interpretation. The confirmation concludes a five-year journey that began with LaCour’s stalled nomination under President Trump in 2020, later revived after both of Alabama’s Senate seats flipped to Republican control.

At 44 years old, LaCour has served six years as Alabama’s solicitor general, earning a reputation for sharp constitutional reasoning and frequent appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court. He played a central role in Allen v. Milligan (2023), the landmark redistricting case in which the Court ruled that Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act. Though the state lost, legal experts noted that LaCour’s defense demonstrated intellectual rigor and a disciplined originalist approach. “Even when you disagree with his conclusions, you can’t deny the sophistication of his arguments,” said Dr. Raymond Kerr, a University of Alabama law professor.

The confirmation reflects Trump’s broader judicial legacy, as his administration continues to reshape the federal courts with conservative, textualist judges. LaCour is one of three Alabama jurists confirmed in recent months, alongside former Justice Bill Lewis and attorney Hal Mooty. Republicans praised LaCour as a principled constitutionalist, while Democrats voiced concern over his record on civil rights. Following the vote, LaCour thanked the Senate for its confidence, pledging “humility, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution.” Observers say his appointment marks a new era for Alabama’s judiciary, with lasting influence on the Eleventh Circuit’s interpretation of federal law.