Louisiana GOP Senate Primary: Cassidy Faces Trump-Endorsed Letlow
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Senator Bill Cassidy confronts a primary challenge from Rep. Julia Letlow, backed by President Trump, in Louisiana's Republican Senate primary.
Louisiana's Republican Senate primary on May 16, 2026, features incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy facing a significant challenge from Representative Julia Letlow, who has secured President Donald Trump's endorsement.
Cassidy, seeking a third term, has occasionally diverged from party lines, notably voting to convict Trump during the 2021 impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol attack. This decision has drawn criticism from Trump, who labeled Cassidy a "disloyal disaster" and urged support for Letlow, describing her as "a winner who will NEVER let you down."
Letlow, 45, entered Congress in 2021 after winning a special election for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District, succeeding her late husband. She has criticized Cassidy's loyalty to the GOP, asserting that Louisiana "shouldn't have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure's on."
The primary also includes State Treasurer John Fleming, a former U.S. Representative and Trump administration official, adding complexity to the race. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff is scheduled for June 27.
The outcome is viewed as a test of Trump's influence within the Republican Party. Recent events, such as Trump's successful efforts to unseat Republicans in Indiana who opposed his redistricting plans, suggest his continued sway.
On the Democratic side, candidates include Nick Albares, a former policy advisor to Governor John Bel Edwards; Navy veteran Gary Crockett; and third-generation farmer Jamie Davis. However, given Louisiana's Republican-leaning electorate—Trump secured 60% of the state's vote in 2024—the GOP primary winner is favored in the general election.