Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William Crain, nominated by President Donald Trump in October, has officially been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the Eastern District Court of Louisiana, based in New Orleans. His confirmation passed narrowly in a 49–46 vote, with Republican Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy supporting the nomination. Crain, a 64-year-old LSU Law graduate, has held positions on the state’s First Circuit Court of Appeal and previously served as a district court judge before joining the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2019. Another Trump nominee, former U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, is still awaiting final Senate action for a federal judgeship covering Louisiana’s Western District.
Both Crain and Van Hook advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee in November. Senator Kennedy, who recommended Crain to the White House, praised the qualifications of both nominees, emphasizing their experience and legal expertise. Trump has also expressed confidence in Van Hook, highlighting his long career in Shreveport and his service to the state. Van Hook is a graduate of Centenary College and LSU Law School and spent much of his career working within the Western District he has been nominated to serve.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have taken major steps toward confirming nearly 100 of Trump’s nominees across the federal government. After changing Senate rules earlier this year to speed up confirmations, Republicans are preparing for a final vote next week. If the package is approved, Trump’s total confirmed nominees during his second term’s first year will surpass 400, placing him well ahead of President Joe Biden’s pace at the same stage. The large nominee package spans numerous federal agencies, including picks for the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor’s inspector general, and several other key posts.