U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), spoke at the investiture of Eli Richardson as U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee, said, "Tennesseans are fortunate to have such a well-qualified judge."

"Judge Richardson has an extensive legal career both in terms of practice, as well as location. He graduated from Vanderbilt Law School, has worked in private practice, served as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney here in Nashville, and was the Justice Department's Resident Legal Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Serbia. I was proud to support his nomination and I am honored to be part of his investiture today."

Alexander continued: "While the Middle District is the 'newest' district court in the state, Nashville has been the home of Tennessee's courts since before Tennessee even became a state. Famous Tennesseans, including President Jackson, served in the Middle District, and Judge Eli Richardson will help continue the lauded history of courts and judges in Nashville."

On December 13, 2017, Alexander introduced Richardson at his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. OnOctober 11, 2018, the full Senate confirmed Richardson to be a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.