Senate Committee Recommends Confirmation of Anna St. John to Federal Bench in New Orleans

The Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines to advance St. John's nomination to the full Senate.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted along party lines to recommend the full Senate confirm Anna St. John as a federal district court judge in New Orleans. The Republican majority on the committee approved the nomination, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote by the Senate.

Why it matters

St. John's confirmation would fill a key judicial vacancy in the New Orleans federal court, which has seen an increase in caseloads in recent years. Her appointment would also solidify the conservative tilt of the federal judiciary, as she is expected to rule in line with Republican priorities.

The details

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-9 to recommend Anna St. John's confirmation to the federal bench in New Orleans. All Republican members of the committee supported the nomination, while all Democrats opposed it. St. John, a conservative lawyer, was nominated by the president to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on St. John's nomination on March 5, 2026.

The players

Anna St. John

A conservative lawyer nominated by the president to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Senate Judiciary Committee

The Senate committee responsible for vetting and approving federal judicial nominations.

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What they’re saying

“We must confirm qualified judges who will interpret the law, not legislate from the bench.”

— Senator John Cornyn, Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

“This nominee's record raises serious concerns about her ability to be a fair and impartial arbiter of justice.”

— Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee

What’s next

The full Senate is expected to vote on St. John's confirmation in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

St. John's confirmation would cement the conservative tilt of the federal judiciary in the New Orleans region, potentially impacting rulings on a range of issues from civil rights to environmental regulations for years to come.