On May 16, 2026, a special election was held to fill a vacancy left by Judge William J. Crain on the Louisiana Supreme Court 1st District. William H. Burris, a judge for Louisiana 22nd Judicial District, defeated Blair Downing Edwards, a judge of the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal 3rd District, in the Republican primary election. The general election scheduled for November was cancelled, resulting in Judge Burris winning the seat on the Supreme Court. Incumbent justices Jay B. McCallum and Cade Cole were scheduled to stand for election this year, but no candidates filed to challenge the justices.
Estimated Total TV Spending:
Candidates:
- Estimated spending by Blair Downing Edwards: $434,245
- Estimated spending by William Burris:
Outside Groups:
- Estimated spending by First Principles PAC: $896,736
- Estimated spending by Protect and Defend Louisiana: $95,714
- Estimated spending by Moms Protecting Children PAC: $55,329
Advertisements (provided by MediaRadar/CMAG)
May 11 – Hug a Thug Policy
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Burris has handed down over 1000 felony convictions.”
Sponsor: William Burris
May 5 – Acts Like a Democrat
In this ad, a voiceover says: “A juvenile court judge, Edwards doesn’t have near the experience to handle cases on the Louisiana Supreme Court.”
Sponsor: First Principles PAC
April 28 – Lifelong 15
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Blair Downing Edwards is a lifelong Christian conservative. She’s been a Republican longer than President Trump.”
Sponsor: Blair Downing Edwards
April 28 – Pedophiles 15
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Billy Burris protected pedophiles – Burris’ rulings were overturned 42% of the time.”
Sponsor: Blair Downing Edwards
April 21 – Sheriff Jason
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Judge Edwards was the Casa Judge of the Year because she is a pro family, Christian conservative.”
Sponsor: Blair Downing Edwards
April 13 – FPPAC Democrat
In this ad, a voiceover says: “Did you know that progressive Blair Edwards is so liberal she won judge of the year for transgender loving, sex change promoting, DEI radicals?”
Sponsor: First Principles PAC
April 6 – Downing Edwards Conservative Republican
In this ad, a voiceover says: “She protects our children from radical indoctrination; she’s tough on sexual predators and will defend our communities from violent illegal immigrants.”
Sponsor: Blair Downing Edwards
