Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy Loses Primary After 2021 Trump Impeachment Vote

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said Monday he has no regrets about voting to convict President Trump during the 2021 impeachment trial over the January 6 Capitol attack. “I voted to uphold the Constitution,” Cassidy told reporters at the Capitol.

” The senator placed third in Saturday’s Republican primary and will not advance to the June 27 runoff. Trump had endorsed one of Cassidy’s opponents in the race.

Cassidy said the primary result indicates he does not have a future in political office. “I can live with that,” he said. “I respect democracy. ” His Louisiana colleague, Republican Sen. John Kennedy, described the loss as predictable. “Bill’s loss was predictable, and Bill knew it,” Kennedy said.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that those who stand in the way of Trump’s agenda are going to lose.

Cassidy said he will finish his term working on legislation that can secure 60 votes and stand the test of time. He cited his interest in preventing Social Security insolvency and addressing rising health care costs. He declined to criticize Trump directly and said he wants to be constructive rather than destructive.

“I’m calling our country to be united,” Cassidy said. Cassidy also questioned a new nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who believe they have been unjustly investigated. “We are a nation of laws,” he said. ” Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she regrets that Cassidy will not return to the Senate.

“I’ve appreciated working with him and his leadership,” she said.