Liz Murrill

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Liz Murrill
BornElizabeth Baker
1963
BirthplaceNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, lawyer
Title46th Attorney General of Louisiana
Children4
Website[[aglizmurrill.com aglizmurrill.com] Official site]

Elizabeth "Liz" Murrill (née Baker; born 1963) is an American politician and lawyer serving as the 46th attorney general of Louisiana since January 2024. A member of the Republican Party, Murrill previously served as the solicitor general of Louisiana from 2015 to 2024, a role in which she argued cases before the Supreme Court of the United States and represented the state in numerous high-profile federal proceedings. She won the 2023 attorney general election to succeed Jeff Landry, who vacated the office upon becoming Governor of Louisiana. As attorney general, Murrill has pursued litigation on issues including abortion regulation, opioid-related settlements, immigration enforcement, and the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Her tenure has positioned her as a prominent figure among Republican state attorneys general nationwide, particularly on matters intersecting state and federal authority.

Early Life

Elizabeth Baker was born in 1963 in New Orleans, Louisiana.[1] She grew up in Louisiana and developed an interest in law and public service. Details regarding her parents and childhood are limited in publicly available sources, though her upbringing in the New Orleans area shaped her long-term connection to Louisiana's legal and political landscape.

Murrill has spoken publicly about her roots in the state and her desire to serve Louisiana through the legal profession. She later settled in Baton Rouge, where she raised four children and built her career in state government and private legal practice.[1]

Education

Murrill pursued legal education and obtained a law degree, which prepared her for a career in both private practice and public service. She became a member of the Federalist Society, a national organization of conservative and libertarian lawyers, and was listed among its contributors.[2] Her educational background and legal training formed the foundation for her later work as solicitor general and attorney general.

Career

Early Legal Career

Before entering public service, Murrill practiced law in Louisiana. She developed expertise in litigation and constitutional law, which became central to her later government roles. Her legal career included both private practice and involvement in conservative legal circles, including affiliation with the Federalist Society.[3]

Solicitor General of Louisiana (2015–2024)

In 2015, Murrill was appointed solicitor general of Louisiana, serving under Attorney General Jeff Landry. In this capacity, she served as the state's top appellate lawyer, responsible for arguing cases on behalf of Louisiana in federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States.[4] Records from the Supreme Court confirm that Murrill appeared as an advocate before the Court during her tenure as solicitor general.[5]

During her nearly nine years as solicitor general, Murrill handled a substantial portfolio of cases involving federalism, states' rights, regulatory authority, and constitutional questions. She represented Louisiana in multistate litigation and coordinated with other state attorneys general on matters of shared concern.[4] Her work in this role gave her extensive experience with the federal court system and positioned her as a leading figure in Louisiana's legal establishment.

Murrill indicated during her 2023 campaign that if elected attorney general, she intended to maintain the office's focus on federally focused casework, building on the approach she had developed as solicitor general.[4]

2023 Attorney General Campaign

When Jeff Landry announced his candidacy for governor of Louisiana, the attorney general's office became an open seat. Murrill announced her candidacy to succeed Landry, running as a Republican.[6] She launched her campaign emphasizing her experience as solicitor general and her record of arguing cases before federal courts, including the Supreme Court.

During the campaign, Murrill positioned herself as a conservative candidate committed to continuing the legal strategies pursued under Landry's tenure. She expressed support for defending Louisiana's laws on issues such as abortion restrictions, gun rights, and the state's authority against federal overreach.[1][7]

Her primary opponent in the general election was Lindsey Cheek.[7] Murrill won the election, securing the position as Louisiana's next attorney general.[8] The Louisiana Illuminator reported on her victory and transition into the office.[9]

Attorney General of Louisiana (2024–present)

Murrill was inaugurated as the 46th attorney general of Louisiana on January 8, 2024, succeeding Jeff Landry, who assumed the governorship on the same day.[9] As attorney general, she serves as the state's chief legal officer and heads the Louisiana Department of Justice.

Abortion-Related Litigation

One of the most prominent areas of Murrill's tenure as attorney general has involved litigation related to abortion regulation. In February 2026, Murrill filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) challenging the agency's authorization of mail-order access to abortion pills. She argued before a federal judge in Lafayette seeking an injunction to stop the FDA's authorization of abortion medications being distributed via mail.[10][11] The lawsuit cited a 150-year-old federal law in its arguments against the FDA's decision to permit abortion pills to be distributed by mail.[12]

The lawsuit received substantial support from other Republican state officials. Twenty-one Republican attorneys general filed amicus briefs in support of Louisiana's case, along with 60 members of the U.S. Congress.[13] Murrill and other Republican attorneys general also asked Congress to counter state-level abortion pill "shield laws" that sought to protect access to the medication.[14]

Ten Commandments in Public Schools

Murrill played a role in defending Louisiana's law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The law, enacted under Governor Landry, drew national attention and legal challenges from civil liberties organizations. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law in 2024.[15] As attorney general, Murrill was responsible for the state's defense of the statute in federal court.

Immigration Enforcement

Murrill pursued legal action related to immigration enforcement during her tenure. She challenged the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office's longstanding policy regarding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which critics have described as a "sanctuary" policy. In February 2026, a federal judge ruled that the federal court could not adjudicate the state's challenge to the sheriff's office policy, temporarily halting the case.[16]

Support for Donald Trump

Murrill was among the Republican attorneys general who expressed support for former President Donald Trump in legal proceedings. She and other Republican attorneys general backed Trump in a case, reflecting her alignment with conservative legal causes at the national level.[17]

Criminal Justice Matters

As attorney general, Murrill has been involved in criminal justice matters in Louisiana. In one notable instance, her office sought the death sentence for a juvenile convicted of murder, a case that drew attention from legal observers and media.[18]

Opioid and Consumer Protection Settlements

Murrill's office has pursued litigation and settlements related to the opioid crisis and consumer protection. In February 2026, she announced a $45 million settlement with CVS resolving three lawsuits the state had filed against the pharmacy chain.[19][20] The settlement represented a significant financial recovery for the state and was part of broader national efforts to hold pharmacy chains accountable for their roles in the opioid epidemic.

Other Official Actions

Through her office, Murrill has issued statements and taken official positions on a range of legal and policy matters affecting Louisiana. She has utilized the attorney general's website and official communications to announce actions, legal opinions, and policy positions.[21][22][23][24]

Personal Life

Murrill resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has four children.[1] Her birth name was Elizabeth Baker; she later took the surname Murrill.[1] Beyond her professional and political career, Murrill has maintained connections to the Louisiana legal community and conservative political networks.

Her personal papers or related archival materials are referenced in Louisiana state archives.[25]

Recognition

Since taking office as attorney general, Murrill has gained national recognition within Republican political and legal circles. Her involvement in multistate litigation, particularly on abortion regulation and immigration enforcement, has placed her among a cohort of Republican state attorneys general who have pursued an active litigation agenda on conservative policy priorities.

Her prior work as solicitor general, including her appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court, established her credentials within the legal profession before her election as attorney general.[26] Her membership in the Federalist Society further connected her to a network of conservative legal professionals across the country.[27]

The $45 million CVS settlement announced in February 2026 represented one of the largest financial recoveries during her tenure and was covered by multiple Louisiana media outlets.[19][20] Her litigation against the FDA over abortion pill access drew national media coverage and support from 21 other state attorneys general and 60 members of Congress, underscoring her role as a leading figure in the national debate over abortion regulation.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Liz Baker Murrill: A candidate for Louisiana attorney general".Shreveport Times.2023-10-12.https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/12/liz-baker-murrill-a-candidate-for-louisiana-attorney-general/70569613007/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Elizabeth Murrill".The Federalist Society.https://fedsoc.org/contributors/elizabeth-murrill.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Elizabeth Murrill".The Federalist Society.https://fedsoc.org/contributors/elizabeth-murrill.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Meet the candidate: Liz Murrill".KALB.2023-07-31.https://www.kalb.com/2023/07/31/meet-candidate-liz-murrill-maintain-federally-focused-casework-if-elected-next-la-ag/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Elizabeth Murrill – Advocate".Oyez.https://www.oyez.org/advocates/elizabeth_murrill.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Liz Murrill runs to replace Jeff Landry as attorney general".NOLA.com.https://www.nola.com/news/politics/liz-murrill-runs-to-replace-jeff-landry-as-attorney-general/article_f696cafe-9dcb-11ed-9f13-bb4cfc67703d.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Attorney general voter guide: Lindsey Cheek and Liz Murrill".NOLA.com.https://www.nola.com/news/politics/elections/attorney-general-voter-guide-lindsey-cheek-and-liz-murrill/article_c7d67664-743b-11ee-be1c-03675eca1a29.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "See election results for Louisiana attorney general".NOLA.com.https://www.nola.com/news/politics/elections/see-election-results-for-louisiana-attorney-general/article_dc9f285c-69f0-11ee-a75e-734a9168b38f.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Liz Murrill".Louisiana Illuminator.2023-11-18.https://lailluminator.com/2023/11/18/liz-murrill/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "LA AG Liz Murrill sues FDA over mail-order access to abortion pills".KATC.2026-02-24.https://www.katc.com/lafayette-parish/la-ag-liz-murrill-sues-fda-over-mail-order-access-to-abortion-pills.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "WATCH LIVE: Atty. Gen. Liz Murrill to hold news conference after abortion pill hearing".KLFY.2026-02-24.https://www.klfy.com/louisiana/watch-live-atty-gen-liz-murrill-to-hold-news-conference-after-abortion-pill-hearing/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Louisiana asks federal judge in Lafayette to block abortion pills by mail, citing 150-year-old law".The Advocate.2026-02-24.https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/courts/liz-murrill-abortion-pills/article_ee45a659-d871-4ed2-a7ab-ad2fd041d7c1.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "21 AGs, 60 lawmakers support Louisiana's abortion drug suit".American Press.2026-02-24.https://americanpress.com/2026/02/24/21-ags-60-lawmakers-support-louisianas-abortion-drug-suit/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Liz Murrill, Republican AGs ask Congress to counter abortion pill shield laws".Louisiana Illuminator.https://lailluminator.com/briefs/liz-murrill-republican-ags-ask-congress-to-counter-abortion-pill-shield-laws/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Louisiana's Ten Commandments law in public schools temporarily blocked".NBC News.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/louisianas-ten-commandments-law-public-schools-temporarily-blocked-fed-rcna172286.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Judge says federal court can't rule on challenge to Orleans sheriff's 'sanctuary' policy".Associated Press.2026-02-23.https://apnews.com/article/liz-murrill-louisiana-general-news-courts-janis-van-meerveld-dd0d18daf4c2ffb94a1c49e16005438b.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Liz Murrill, other Republican AGs back Donald Trump in case".The Advocate.https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/liz-murrill-other-republican-ags-back-donald-trump-in-case/article_82f4f7b1-211a-51b3-a7ce-2a7a429aba04.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "AG Murrill seeks death sentence for juvenile killer".The Advocate.https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/ag-murrill-seeks-death-sentence-for-juvenile-killer/article_69c70ebd-e6b4-4a42-8ea4-3f724bc72fdf.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Attorney General Liz Murrill announces $45 million settlement with CVS".WGNO.2026-02-21.https://wgno.com/video/attorney-general-liz-murrill-announces-45-million-settlement-with-cvs/11542871/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Louisiana agrees to $45M settlement with CVS, AG Liz Murrill says. Here's where it will go.".NOLA.com.2026-02-20.https://www.nola.com/news/politics/louisiana-cvs-liz-murrill-lawsuit-settlement/article_6fbe568e-f528-4e33-aca6-e99a14cea8a2.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Attorney General Liz Murrill".Office of the Governor of Louisiana.https://web.archive.org/web/20250219035416/https://gov.louisiana.gov/news/4764.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "AG Article 232".Louisiana Attorney General's Office.https://web.archive.org/web/20250214112627/https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/232.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "AG Article 229".Louisiana Attorney General's Office.https://web.archive.org/web/20250204140953/https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/229.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "AG Article 118".Louisiana Attorney General's Office.https://web.archive.org/web/20240720085731/https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/118.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Archival resource".Louisiana State Archives.https://archives.louisiana.edu/repositories/2/resources/723.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Elizabeth Murrill – Advocate".Oyez.https://www.oyez.org/advocates/elizabeth_murrill.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Elizabeth Murrill".The Federalist Society.https://fedsoc.org/contributors/elizabeth-murrill.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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