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Louisiana Rep. Letlow Challenges Sen. Cassidy with Trump’s Backing
Representative Julia Letlow of Louisiana announced Tuesday she will challenge fellow Republican Senator Bill Cassidy for his seat in the U.S. Senate, a move that comes with the explicit endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Letlow made her announcement at a breakfast hosted by The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. “It’s an honor to share with you, after the endorsement and encouragement from the president, the president of the United States, Trump, that today I will officially be announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate,” she said, according to audio obtained by The Associated Press.
The development significantly complicates Cassidy’s already difficult path to reelection and underscores the senator’s failed attempts to regain favor with Trump after voting to convict the president during his 2021 impeachment trial over efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Cassidy acknowledged the challenge on social media platform X, writing: “Congresswoman Letlow called me this morning to say she was running. She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election.”
Letlow, who represents parts of north and central Louisiana, has been a reliable Trump supporter in the House since her election in a 2021 special election. She won the seat after her husband died of COVID-19 complications shortly after winning the congressional race. During her announcement, Letlow avoided mentioning Cassidy directly, instead focusing on her support for Republican policy initiatives backed by the Trump administration.
The president’s endorsement of Letlow creates a notable rift within Republican leadership. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has already endorsed Cassidy, following its traditional practice of backing incumbents. Senate Majority Leader John Thune demonstrated his support for Cassidy with a joint appearance in Louisiana just last week.
Trump’s backing of Letlow also highlights his alliance with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a conservative firebrand who reportedly identified Letlow months ago as an ideal challenger to Cassidy. Landry has since been appointed as Trump’s envoy to Greenland as part of the administration’s initiative to expand American influence in the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Louisiana will hold party primaries for federal offices on May 16, with voting restricted to Republicans and independents in the GOP contest. The race has drawn several Republican candidates beyond Letlow and Cassidy, including former congressman and current state Treasurer John Fleming and state Representative Julie Emerson. Fleming, like Cassidy, had hoped to secure Trump’s endorsement after serving in the president’s first administration.
Cassidy, a physician who once criticized Republican health care policies before entering politics, severely damaged his standing with Louisiana conservatives through his vote to convict Trump in 2021. As Trump’s political fortunes revived ahead of the 2024 election, Cassidy attempted to rebuild bridges with the president, using his official social media accounts to consistently praise Trump and positioning himself as part of the “Make America Great Again” movement.
As Senate health committee chairman, Cassidy provided the decisive vote to advance Robert Kennedy Jr.’s controversial nomination as health secretary, despite expressing earlier concerns about Kennedy’s vaccine views. Cassidy later explained he had received assurances that Kennedy would not pursue certain changes to U.S. vaccine policy, though Kennedy has subsequently moved to roll back several vaccine recommendations.
Trump endorsed Letlow through his Truth Social platform on Saturday, writing: “Highly Respected America First Congresswoman, Julia Letlow, of the wonderful State of Louisiana, is a Great Star, has been from the very beginning, and only gets better!” He concluded with enthusiastic encouragement: “Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!”
Meanwhile, Cassidy continues featuring Trump prominently in his social media. His campaign X account displays a pinned photo of a red Trump hat signed by the president during an Oval Office visit. His official Senate account showcases a picture from that same meeting last fall, showing Trump at his desk with Cassidy smiling beside him.
“Great to be with @POTUS in the Oval Office today!” Cassidy wrote beneath the image. “This is what a great working relationship looks like.”
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4 Comments
This primary challenge is a reminder that the Republican party remains divided, with the Trump wing still exerting significant influence. The outcome could shape the party’s direction going forward.
This primary race in Louisiana will be interesting to follow. It highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party between establishment figures like Sen. Cassidy and more Trump-aligned candidates like Rep. Letlow.
Letlow’s announcement with Trump’s backing suggests the former president is still trying to exert influence over the GOP. It will be a test of whether his endorsement still carries sway with voters.
The mining and energy sectors will be watching this race closely, as the winner could have a significant impact on policies affecting those industries in Louisiana and nationally.