Bringing honor, courage, and fairness to the bench
Election Day is November 3, 2026
Michael J. Cochran
brings a lifetime of service, integrity, and experience to his campaign for District Judge of the 22nd Judicial District. A Marine Corps veteran, former New Orleans Police Department detective, and prosecutor, Michael has dedicated his career to protecting others and upholding justice. A lifelong conservative Republican, he now seeks to serve his community from the bench with the same honor, courage, and commitment that have guided him throughout his life.
Raised on the values of hard work and service, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq during the invasion, serving as an M.P. (Military Police). His unit carried out critical missions of route reconnaissance and convoy security, vital work that ensured the safe passage of Marines and allied forces. His time in uniform instilled in him the discipline, perseverance, and sense of duty that remain the foundation of his career. Following his military service, Michael continued his service to others as a NOPD officer and detective, working in specialized units including narcotics, vice, and homicide. He served as lead investigator on more than 20 murder cases and contributed to numerous other complex investigations.
Michael later served as a felony prosecutor with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. There, he gained valuable courtroom experience, trying cases and learning firsthand how the state pursues convictions. He currently runs his own private practice in Covington. There Michael has built a reputation for relentless preparation, detailed investigation, and unwavering advocacy for his clients who are facing personal crises.
This unique perspective—having seen the justice system from every angle as a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, and defense attorney—gives Michael and unparalleled insight into both the strengths and flaws of the system. Michael always fought to ensure justice, fairness, and dignity for everyone involved in the system. And it’s his motivation for running for judge.
Husband
and Father.
Michael and his wife, Amanda, live in Covington where they are raising their three children. They are parishioners at Mary Queen of Peace.
Michael lives his life by the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment—principles he will continue to uphold on the bench. He believes a judge must serve with integrity, impartiality, and compassion, ensuring that every individual is heard and treated fairly under the law.
Why I’m Running
“I am running for judge because I believe our community deserves a justice system that is fair, accountable, and rooted in integrity. My service as a Marine, NOPD detective, prosecutor, and defense attorney has given me a unique perspective from every side of the courtroom. I’ve seen the system at its best and at its worst, and I know where it succeeds and where it falls short.
I am committed to bringing honor, courage, and fairness to the bench—ensuring that every person who comes before the court is heard, respected, and treated justly. This is not just a career for me; it is a continuation of my lifelong dedication to service and justice.”
Get in Touch with Michael.
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