The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund LaCour as a federal judge for the Northern District of Alabama in a 51–47 vote that largely followed party lines. He fills the vacancy left by Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler, who retired earlier this year. The confirmation marks a major career step for LaCour and reshapes part of Alabama’s federal judiciary.
LaCour has served as Solicitor General under Attorney General Steve Marshall since 2019. During that time, he handled major appellate cases, including Allen v. Milligan, a key Supreme Court case involving Alabama’s congressional redistricting. Supporters pointed to his appellate experience as proof of his readiness to handle complex federal cases.
His path to confirmation began years ago. LaCour was first nominated in 2020 but faced opposition that prevented the nomination from advancing. With changes in the Senate’s political makeup, the nomination moved forward this time with less resistance. His confirmation reflects how political dynamics often influence federal judicial appointments.
Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville strongly supported the nomination. Britt described LaCour’s legal ability as “unparalleled” and noted that he has filed more than 100 briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts. Attorney General Steve Marshall called him a “brilliant and principled lawyer,” saying his work has shaped some of the state’s most significant legal battles.
LaCour previously worked in private practice at major law firms and clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. A Yale Law School graduate and Alabama native, he now joins the federal bench in Birmingham, bringing years of constitutional and appellate experience to the Northern District of Alabama.
