Judge Blair Downing Edwards Announces Candidacy for Louisiana Supreme Court

Veteran judge pledges conservative principles, the rule of law, and backbone.

HAMMOND, LA — Republican First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Blair Downing Edwards announced today that she will run for the Louisiana Supreme Court, District 1 in the upcoming special election to fill the seat being vacated by Justice Will Crain, who was recently confirmed to serve as a federal judge.

Judge Edwards brings decades of legal experience, a reputation for professionalism, and a record of principled decision-making to the race. As a longtime Republican, she has built her career on a conservative judicial philosophy, respect for the rule of law, and an unwavering belief that judges must apply the law as written — not legislate from the bench.

“I am running for the Louisiana Supreme Court because our state deserves justices who are independent, rooted in conservative principles, and strong enough to stand their ground when it matters most,” Judge Edwards said. “I have never wavered in my belief that the Constitution and the law — not politics or pressure — must guide every decision.”

Judge Edwards currently serves on the First Circuit Court of Appeal, where she has earned the respect of colleagues and attorneys alike for her fairness, work ethic, and command of the law. Prior to joining the appellate court, she served with distinction as a District Judge in the 21st Judicial District Court, where she built the court’s first Juvenile Division. In that role, she managed the largest case load of any juvenile court in the state involving children and families and helped preside over nationally recognized juvenile drug and truancy courts, working hands-on to ensure both accountability and rehabilitation.

Before taking the bench, Judge Edwards began her legal career serving as a children’s attorney, advocating for the rights and best interests of young people in the legal system. Her work in juvenile justice gave her a deep understanding of the real-world impacts of judicial decisions on families and communities throughout southeastern Louisiana.

Her path to the law was grounded in both academic achievement and private-sector experience. Judge Edwards earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Nicholls State University, after which she worked as an accountant for Texaco and later Entergy, gaining valuable insight into fiscal responsibility and analytical rigor. She worked in the public school system and later earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law.

Judge Edwards’s commitment to public service runs deep in her family. She is married to retired Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards, and her family includes four generations of sheriffs and law-enforcement officials, underscoring a lifelong connection to law and order and service to the community.

Throughout her career, Judge Edwards has been known for her grit and backbone — qualities she says are essential for service on the state’s highest court.

“My parents and grandparents raised me to be a strong conservative, even while surrounded by folks with opposing views — even family — and I’ve never lost my bearings. Some call it stubborn; I call it backbone. I stand my ground, aim straight, and keep a sense of humor about it — if you want a Supreme Court Justice who has convictions and won’t budge, heck… that’s been the story of my whole life.”

While Judge Edwards has worked alongside and across the political spectrum in public service, she has always maintained her own independent conservative voice. Her record reflects a consistent commitment to limited government, judicial restraint, and public safety — principles she says guided her long before she ever considered a run for the Supreme Court.

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Additional information about Judge Blair Downing Edwards and her campaign for the Louisiana Supreme Court will be released in the coming days.

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