Judge Billy Burris is projected to win the race for Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice in the 1st District, defeating Judge Blair Edwards, WWLTV reports.

Judge William “Billy” Burris serves as a district judge in the 22nd Judicial District Court, which covers St. Tammany and Washington parishes. He has also served as chief judge of the court. His campaign website states that in his role on the bench, Burris has overseen both civil and criminal cases and has participated in specialty court programs aimed at reducing repeat offenses while emphasizing accountability.

A Franklinton native, Burris attended LSU before graduating magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center. After law school, he returned to Washington Parish to practice law before later joining the judiciary. He has also held leadership positions within several statewide judicial organizations and advisory committees.

Burris describes himself as a conservative, rule-of-law judge who believes courts should apply laws as written and leave policymaking to elected officials. His campaign website also highlights his involvement in community and religious organizations, including service as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Franklinton.

Burris says his priorities would include public safety, constitutional rights and judicial restraint. He said in his campaign statement that he would approach cases through an originalist interpretation of the Constitution.