Five and a half years back, Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy faced backlash from voters and was ousted in his re-election bid after voting to convict former President Donald Trump during his impeachment trial.
During the recent Republican primary, Trump-supported Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming surpassed Cassidy, according to reports.
As no candidate secured over 50% of the votes, Letlow and Fleming are set to compete in a runoff next month for the Republican nomination. Cassidy’s defeat marks a rare instance; he is the first Republican senator to lose a nomination since Indiana’s Richard Lugar in 2012.
Even though Trump wasn’t on the ballot, his presence loomed large, serving as a testament to his influence over the Republican Party, especially in a state that generally supports him.
Following the Indiana primary, where several pro-Trump challengers unseated five incumbent Republican senators, Louisiana’s primary stands as another measure of Trump’s grip on the party.
Letlow received Trump’s endorsement prior to entering the race in January. She expressed gratitude, stating it was an incredible honor to have his backing.
Trump’s influence seems significant, especially when considering that he has a substantial lead in the state ahead of the 2024 election.
Letlow has also garnered support from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Trump ally.
Cassidy, who is one of seven Senate Republicans that voted to convict Trump after the January 6 Capitol attack, has since supported Trump’s policies and candidates—though he has been criticized for his past votes.
Amidst this, Trump referred to Cassidy as “very dishonest,” while praising Letlow publicly.
Cassidy has emphasized his legislative achievements and support for the oil and gas industry in Louisiana, which is vital for the state’s economy. He claimed he has worked well with Trump, highlighting the president’s signing of four of his authored bills.
Despite this, Cassidy has faced fierce competition. His allied PACs reportedly spent over $20 million on advertising, which dwarfs the combined efforts of Letlow and Fleming.
Some ads questioned Letlow’s previous support for diversity programs during her academic career, prompting her to defend her record fervently.
Letlow, who secured her current position after a special election following her predecessor’s death, accused Cassidy and Fleming of making unfounded attacks regarding various issues, including her stock transactions.
On the campaign trail, Fleming positioned himself as the most conservative option within the primary, contrasting Letlow’s stance as being less traditionally aligned with Trump.
The upcoming runoff is likely to determine a frontrunner for the general election, a race that appears favorable for Republicans in the state.
