The U.S. Senate confirmed William Crain, a Louisiana Supreme
Court Justice, to a federal judgeship in the Eastern District of New Orleans,
following his nomination by President Donald Trump in October. With this
appointment, Crain will move from the state's highest court to the federal
judiciary, reinforcing conservative influence in one of the state's key courts.
The vote took place on December 9 and concluded with a
narrow margin: 49 votes in favor and 46 against. Among those who supported his
advancement were Louisiana Republican Senators John Kennedy—who actively campaigned
for his presidential candidacy—and Bill Cassidy.
Three senators were absent from the vote, underscoring the
closeness of the process and the level of polarization surrounding the
nomination.
