On May 16, 2026, a special election will be held to fill a vacancy left by Judge William J. Crain on the Louisiana Supreme Court 1st District. The two candidates running in the upcoming Republican primary election are William H. Burris, a judge for Louisiana 22nd Judicial District, and Blair Downing Edwards, a judge of the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal 3rd District. A general election will occur on November 3, 2026. In addition, 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: $40,930
- Estimated spending by William H. Burris:
Outside Groups:
- Estimated spending by First Principles PAC: $512,038
- Estimated spending by Protect and Defend Louisiana: $95,714
Advertisements (provided by MediaRadar/CMAG)
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
