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Trump-backed candidate advances to runoff
Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow secured a spot in next month's Republican runoff after defeating two-term Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict former President Donald Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial. Neither Letlow nor state treasurer John Fleming, another Trump-aligned contender, secured a majority in Saturday's primary, triggering a late-June rematch.
Cassidy's impeachment vote proves costly
Cassidy, 68, was one of seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack. The Senate acquitted Trump in a 57-43 vote, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Of the seven Republicans who voted to convict, only three remain in the Senate: Cassidy, Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, and Maine's Susan Collins.
Trump repeatedly targeted Cassidy during the campaign, branding him a "disloyal disaster" and celebrating his primary defeat on social media. "It's nice to see that his political career is OVER!" Trump wrote after results were announced.
Letlow frames Cassidy as unreliable
Letlow, 45, accused Cassidy of betraying the Republican Party, arguing Louisiana voters "shouldn't have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure's on." She aligned herself with Trump's MAGA movement, calling Cassidy's impeachment vote a "betrayal."
Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, attempted to mend ties with Trump during his re-election bid, citing bipartisan bills he sponsored that Trump later signed into law. "I don't really think President Trump likes me that much, but we work really well together," Cassidy told reporters last week. Despite his efforts, Trump endorsed Letlow in January and attacked Cassidy as polls opened Saturday, labeling him a "sleazebag" and "BAD FOR LOUISIANA."
Policy clashes fuel campaign
Cassidy criticized Letlow for not being sufficiently conservative, pointing to her 2020 support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in education. Letlow's opponents also targeted Cassidy's vocal advocacy for COVID-19 vaccines, a flashpoint among right-wing voters.
Letlow's political rise began in 2021 when she won a special election for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District after her husband, a newly elected representative, died from COVID-19 complications before taking office. She became the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana.
Runoff and general election ahead
The June 28 runoff between Letlow and Fleming will determine the Republican nominee for Louisiana's Senate seat. The winner will face a Democratic challenger in the November general election.
