Governor Jeff Landry is making a historic impact on Louisiana’s judicial system, ushering in two new justices to the state’s Supreme Court in a bold effort to restore conservative leadership and judicial integrity.
Cade Cole, an accomplished attorney, former prosecutor, and respected tax judge from Lake Charles, will assume his role on the court next month after winning an unopposed election. His addition to the bench marks another key victory for judicial conservatism in Louisiana.
Cole’s path to the court was paved after Justice Jimmy Genovese stepped down last year to take the helm of Northwestern State University. This transition was part of a broader strategy by Governor Landry to ensure the state’s highest court reflects the values and priorities of Louisiana’s citizens.
Meanwhile, Justice John Michael Guidry, formerly the chief judge of the Baton Rouge Court of Appeal, also joined the Supreme Court in January, similarly winning unopposed. His ascension followed Landry’s successful effort to redraw the court’s district boundaries—a move that not only ensured fair representation but also strengthened the long-term conservative outlook of the court.
While the redistricting added a second Democratic-leaning seat, it also solidified the foundation for a conservative majority, ensuring five of the seven districts will likely be held by constitutionalist judges in the years ahead.
Standing Up to Judicial Activism
Governor Landry’s efforts have also served to check the influence of Chief Justice John Weimer, a political wildcard who has often leaned away from conservative principles. As attorney general, Landry supported measures to counterbalance Weimer’s unchecked power, though some efforts, such as expanding the court’s size, ultimately fell short.
The impact of the two new justices remains to be seen, but analysts agree that Cole is a staunch conservative who will likely counteract any leftward drift on the court. Though Guidry is viewed as more liberal, the overall ideological composition of the court remains in favor of a constitutionalist interpretation of the law.
Landry’s Vision for Louisiana
Landry’s influence on the court is just one part of his broader vision to reshape Louisiana governance. In his first year, he called three special legislative sessions to pass policies aimed at making Louisiana safer, lowering income tax burdens on individuals and businesses, and expanding school choice—key conservative priorities that had been neglected for too long.
He also worked to rein in the influence of unaccountable state boards and commissions, ensuring that leadership positions at institutions like the LSU Board of Supervisors, the Port of New Orleans, and the University of Louisiana System are held by competent, reform-minded individuals.
Cade Cole: A Proven Conservative
At just 42, Cade Cole has already built an impressive legal career rooted in conservative principles. A Republican and Federalist Society member, he has served as a state and local tax judge, an attorney for multiple municipalities, and a mediator who has helped craft legislative solutions to rein in the power of trial lawyers.
Even some Democrats admit that Cole’s work ethic and willingness to engage with both sides make him a formidable force on the court. State Senator Jay Luneau, a staunch defender of trial lawyers, acknowledged, “I don’t think he’ll be friendly to my side, but I think he’ll be reasonable.”
Cole also played a pivotal role in redrawing Louisiana’s Supreme Court district lines—an effort that many believed was long overdue. The previous maps unfairly skewed judicial elections, and Landry seized the opportunity to bring much-needed reform.
Redistricting: A Win for Judicial Fairness
For years, civil rights activists had pushed lawsuits arguing that Louisiana’s judicial map needed more majority-Black districts, despite the fact that voting patterns do not neatly follow racial lines. As attorney general, Landry opposed these efforts, arguing that Louisiana’s judiciary should be based on legal qualifications, not racial quotas.
However, Landry ultimately supported a redistricting plan that adjusted the Supreme Court’s boundaries while avoiding costly litigation. The plan allowed for one new Democrat-leaning district but also strengthened conservative strongholds across the state, ensuring a solid judicial foundation for years to come.
The new district map also positions a close Landry ally, Judge Bill Stiles, to run for a Supreme Court seat in 2028, reinforcing the governor’s commitment to appointing principled constitutionalists to the bench.
Restoring Leadership at Northwestern State
One of the most notable shifts under Landry’s watch has been the appointment of Justice Genovese as president of Northwestern State University. Critics questioned the move, as Genovese lacked traditional experience in higher education, but Landry recognized his strong leadership skills and deep ties to the institution as a key asset in revitalizing the struggling university.
With enrollment declining and the football team in turmoil, Northwestern needed a strong leader, not another bureaucrat. Genovese’s ability to connect with people and his extensive judicial experience made him the right choice to lead the university’s comeback.
A Conservative Judiciary for the Future
With Cole joining the court and Stiles potentially on deck for 2028, Governor Landry’s judicial legacy is well on its way to securing a strong, constitutionalist Supreme Court for Louisiana. His bold leadership has reshaped the court in a way no governor has done in decades, ensuring that the rule of law—not activist agendas—guides Louisiana’s highest legal body.
Landry’s commitment to judicial conservatism is setting a new standard for Louisiana, proving that strong leadership can drive lasting change. The state’s future is now in the hands of judges who respect the Constitution and the will of the people, a lasting victory for the conservative movement.