In a narrow 49–46 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William Crain to a federal judgeship, underscoring the swift pace of President Trump’s judicial nominations and drawing attention to the ongoing reshaping of the federal courts.
Crain, nominated by President Trump in October, will serve on the federal bench for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy voted in favor, with three senators abstaining. Kennedy had recommended Crain to the White House.
Another Trump nominee, former U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, is awaiting Senate action for a judgeship in Louisiana’s Western District, which covers Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette, and Monroe. A graduate of Centenary College and LSU Law School, Van Hook has spent much of his career practicing law in Shreveport. President Trump expressed confidence in Van Hook’s ability to serve Louisiana and the nation with distinction. Both nominees previously received approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee in November.
Crain, 64, was first elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2019. He previously served on the First Circuit Court of Appeal and as a state district court judge. An LSU Law School alumnus, he brings decades of judicial experience to the federal bench.
This week, Senate Republicans advanced nearly 100 of Trump’s nominees, setting the stage for confirmation votes on 97 nominees next week. If all are confirmed, Trump’s total for his second term would exceed 400, surpassing President Biden’s 350 confirmations at the same point. The slate includes former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for Department of Labor inspector general and two nominees for the National Labor Relations Board, James Murphy and Scott Mayer.
The second push followed objections from Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, who sought to delay the package. Changes to Senate rules now allow sub-Cabinet nominees to advance with a simple majority, bypassing prior Democratic resistance.
Conclusion
The confirmation of William Crain highlights the rapid advancement of President Trump’s judicial agenda, reinforcing his administration’s influence over the federal judiciary while paving the way for nearly 100 additional confirmations in the coming weeks.