Louisiana Rep. Julia Letlow Enters Senate Race
On Tuesday, Republican Representative Julia Letlow officially announced her candidacy for the 2026 Senate race in Louisiana, aiming to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. This move comes shortly after former President Donald Trump encouraged her to run publicly.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Letlow would have his “full and complete support” if she decided to oppose Cassidy, who was among the few Republican senators that voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Letlow expressed her honor at receiving Trump’s backing, although she had yet to declare her candidacy then.
During her announcement in Baton Rouge, Letlow remarked, “My parents taught me well that when the Lord opens a door, don’t just walk through it, run.” This emphasizes her enthusiasm for stepping into the political arena.
Letlow, who previously worked as an academic administrator, first entered Congress in a 2021 special election after her late husband, Luke Letlow, won the role in 2020 but passed away from COVID-19 complications before assuming office.
Meanwhile, Cassidy, who is seeking a third term, seems taken aback by Trump’s endorsement of Letlow. Reports suggest that Cassidy was assured by “senior people” in Trump’s circle that the former president would remain neutral in the race.
Though Cassidy’s vote for Trump’s conviction has been a point of contention, he has spent recent months trying to rebuild his relationship with the former president. He has endorsed all of Trump’s Cabinet nominees and even fought past disagreements over vaccine policies. Cassidy shared a post that showcased him with Trump in the Oval Office, stating, “This is what a great working relationship looks like.”
Chairing the influential Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Cassidy is poised to play a key role in the upcoming Senate discussions regarding Trump’s recent healthcare proposals.
Regardless of Letlow’s intentions, Cassidy remains firm about his re-election campaign. Citing his commitment to Louisiana as a “principled conservative,” he expressed confidence in winning, even if Letlow enters the race. In this ruby-red state, Republican contenders, including Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, are also seeking the party nomination, with the primary scheduled for April 18. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote, the top two will face off in a runoff in May.
Interestingly, amidst the ongoing political turbulence in Louisiana, Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins, who also supported Trump’s conviction, is preparing for her own re-election campaign in November, yet Trump has withheld his endorsement for her campaign.
