Trump-Endorsed Candidate Leads Louisiana Senate Primary After Cassidy Defeat
Louisiana Republicans voted in a Senate primary Saturday. Bill Cassidy finished third and will not advance to a June runoff. Trump's endorsed candidate Julia Letlow received the most votes.
pbs.orgSenate seat over the weekend. Bill Cassidy finished third and will not advance to the June 27 runoff. Voters interviewed after casting ballots cited Cassidy's 2021 vote to convict President Trump during the impeachment trial. Several said the vote prevented them from supporting the incumbent senator.
Trump endorsed U.S. Representative Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming. Letlow received the most votes and will face Fleming in the runoff.
Cassidy outspent his opponents but still placed third. He addressed supporters in Baton Rouge after the results and spoke about loyalty to the Constitution and the welfare of Louisiana residents. Trump posted on social media that Cassidy's political career was over.
He described the senator's actions as disloyal. U.S. Graham noted that Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump. Voters also mentioned other issues. Some criticized Cassidy for supporting Robert F. 's nomination as health secretary.
Others said they wanted a senator who could work with the president to secure federal funding for state projects.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 16, 2026
Louisiana Republicans voted in Senate primary; Cassidy finished third.
1 sourcepbs.org - May 17, 2026
Trump posted that Cassidy's political career is over.
1 sourcepbs.org - May 17, 2026
Lindsey Graham said on Meet the Press that opponents of Trump lose.
1 sourcepbs.org
Potential Impact
- 01
Letlow and Fleming will compete in June 27 Republican runoff.
- 02
Cassidy will no longer serve in the U.S. Senate after current term.
Transparency Panel
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