The U.S. Senate confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund LaCour as a federal judge for the Northern District of Alabama in a narrow 51–47 vote that largely followed party lines. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler, marking a notable change in the composition of Alabama’s federal judiciary. LaCour’s confirmation concludes a years-long nomination process shaped by shifting political dynamics in the Senate. His appointment is viewed as both a professional milestone and a reflection of broader partisan trends influencing federal judicial selections.
LaCour’s confirmation comes amid a broader series of judicial appointments supported by Alabama’s Republican delegation. Alongside other recent confirmations, his appointment strengthens the federal bench in Alabama’s Northern and Middle Districts as the state moves into 2026. Serving as Alabama’s Solicitor General since 2019 under Attorney General Steve Marshall, LaCour handled significant appellate litigation, including the high-profile Supreme Court case Allen v. Milligan concerning congressional redistricting. Supporters cite his experience in complex constitutional matters as evidence of his readiness for the federal bench.
His path to confirmation was politically complicated. Initially nominated in 2020 during the Trump administration, LaCour’s nomination stalled after opposition from then-Senator Doug Jones, who exercised his influence as Alabama’s home-state senator. With Alabama’s Senate delegation now fully Republican, the political landscape shifted, allowing the nomination to advance with fewer obstacles. His confirmation illustrates how changes in Senate composition can significantly affect judicial appointment outcomes, particularly in closely divided votes.
Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville championed LaCour’s confirmation, praising his extensive appellate experience and professional credentials. Britt emphasized that he is admitted to practice before every U.S. circuit court of appeals and the Supreme Court, where he has filed more than 100 briefs and argued three cases. Tuberville similarly highlighted his record as Solicitor General and expressed confidence in his ability to serve effectively. Both senators framed the confirmation as a win for Alabama’s legal system and for constitutional jurisprudence.
Before entering public service, LaCour built a substantial legal career in private practice. He worked as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, D.C., and also practiced at Bancroft PLLC and Baker Botts LLP. His work involved complex civil litigation and appellate advocacy before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts. Since joining the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, he progressed from deputy solicitor general to solicitor general, managing high-profile cases and establishing a reputation for analytical precision and constitutional expertise.
LaCour’s academic background further supports his judicial credentials. A native of Dothan, Alabama, he earned his law degree from Yale Law School, a Master of Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin, and graduated summa cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College. He also clerked for Judge William H. Pryor Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, gaining firsthand insight into appellate decision-making. Supporters, including Attorney General Steve Marshall, describe him as a principled and capable jurist whose confirmation ensures experienced leadership for the Northern District of Alabama.
