Conservative Judicial Leadership Faithful to the Constitution Committed to the Rule of Law

Republican Primary Election: Saturday, May 16

Judge William H. “Billy” Burris

serves as District Judge for Division E of the 22nd Judicial District Court, covering Washington and St. Tammany Parishes, and previously served as Chief Judge of the court. A conservative Christian and native of Franklinton, he worked his way from local public schools to LSU and then graduated magna cum laude from Southern University Law Center before returning home to build a successful law practice and later answer the call to judicial service.

On the bench, Judge Burris presides over both civil and criminal dockets with a consistent emphasis on public safety, personal responsibility, and the fair, orderly enforcement of the law. He has led specialty court initiatives designed to reduce repeat offenses by demanding accountability while supporting law‑abiding reentry into work and community, always insisting on respect for victims and equal application of the law to every litigant.

Judge Burris is recognized as a conservative, rule‑of‑law jurist who understands that courts must apply the laws and Constitution as written and leave policy‑making to the people’s elected representatives. His colleagues across the state have entrusted him with key leadership roles, including Chair of the Louisiana District Judges’ Association–Department of Corrections Joint Committee, Chair of the Louisiana Judges Supplemental Compensation Board, and service on multiple statewide judicial and Supreme Court advisory committees.

Deeply rooted in faith, family, and community, Judge Burris is a former president of the Washington Parish Bar Association, a member of the Federalist Society, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, an Eagle Scout, and an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church of Franklinton. He and his wife, Lacy, have been married for 20 years . She is a CPA and is the Director of Finance of the Washington Parish Government. They are raising their two daughters in Franklinton, where they are instilling the same values of faith, hard work, and personal responsibility that have guided his life and service. The Burris family is active in their church and has three dogs. 

Why I’m Running

I am running for the Louisiana Supreme Court to strengthen public safety, defend our constitutional freedoms, and ensure that Louisiana remains a place where the rule of law, not politics or ideology, governs our courts. As a lifelong conservative, I believe judges must apply the law and the Constitution as written, respect the proper role of the Legislature, and reject any attempt to legislate from the bench or weaken the authority of law enforcement.

My judicial philosophy is grounded in originalism, judicial restraint, and common‑sense application of established law to real‑world disputes, consistent with the values I have held as a lifelong conservative Republican. Through years of handling complex civil and criminal matters, I have seen that our courts work best when judges enforce the law firmly and fairly, uphold public safety, support law enforcement within the bounds of the law, and provide consistent, even‑handed justice to every citizen who comes before them.

Serving the people of Washington and St. Tammany Parishes has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and it has strengthened my belief in conservative principles such as individual responsibility, strong families, and limited government. I am seeking a seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court to bring those conservative Republican principles, a tough‑but‑fair approach to crime, a strong work ethic, and unwavering respect for the rule of law to the highest court in our state. I will decide each case on its facts and the governing law, and never on politics, pressure, or personal preference.

Get in Touch with Billy.

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