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3w ago

Louisiana GOP Senate Primary Tests Trump’s Clout as Cassidy Battles Letlow and Fleming

New voting rules could magnify Trump’s pull with Republican voters.

Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming greets supporters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 12.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, and Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming
FILE - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., right, President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, talks with Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., following his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)
Sen. Bill Cassidy at the US Capitol on March 10.

Overview

  • Louisiana Republicans are voting Saturday in a three-way Senate primary, with Trump urging support for Rep. Julia Letlow and a June 27 runoff set if no one reaches 50%.
  • Sen. Bill Cassidy’s 2021 vote to convict Trump and recent fights over health nominees frame the race, and Trump on Saturday called him a “disloyal disaster” as he pushed voters to back Letlow.
  • Cassidy holds a large ad advantage, with about $21.8 million in ads supporting him versus roughly $9.8 million for Letlow and $1.5 million for John Fleming, according to AdImpact tracking.
  • Louisiana scrapped its all-party primary for closed party ballots, and Gov. Jeff Landry postponed House primaries but kept the Senate vote, changes Cassidy says have confused voters who might otherwise back him.
  • Letlow leans on Trump’s endorsement as Fleming courts the MAGA right, while Letlow’s missed House votes this week and spending by Kennedy-aligned MAHA groups against Cassidy add late pressure in a race likely headed to a runoff.