Alexander C. Van Hook has been confirmed by the United States Senate as a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. His confirmation follows more than 26 years in various roles at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, including serving as Acting U.S. Attorney during three different periods.
Van Hook was sworn in on January 13, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter and began his service on the bench immediately after. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller commented on Van Hook’s appointment: “Alec’s impact on the Office as a manager was profound and lasting, but people will remember him most as a prosecutor’s prosecutor and a lawyer’s lawyer—as someone who exemplifies the qualities that our society demands of its leaders in the criminal justice system,” said Keller. “I have no doubt that Alec will carry his deep experience and the wisdom he’s gained into this new role in public service, continuing the work of achieving justice for our Louisiana community.”
Throughout his career, Van Hook held several leadership positions such as Deputy Criminal Chief, First Assistant United States Attorney, Special Counsel to the United States Attorney, and line prosecutor.
Van Hook graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1993 with a degree in Political Science and earned his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 1997. He worked as a law clerk for Judges Tom Stagg and Henry A. Politz before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1999.
He was nominated for judgeship by President Trump on October 21, 2025, and confirmed by the Senate on January 8, 2026.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana.
For more information or updates regarding this announcement, visit www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
