Sen. Bill Cassidy Loses Louisiana Primary: Trump’s Influence Prevails

In Louisiana’s recent Republican primary, Sen. Bill Cassidy faced a significant defeat. Despite his efforts, voters did not want to grant him another term, largely due to his 2016 vote to convict President Donald Trump during an impeachment trial. This vote followed the attack on the Capitol on January 6. Cassidy’s loss was to U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and state treasurer John Fleming. Letlow and Fleming will now advance to a runoff on June 27.

Letlow’s success stemmed from Trump’s endorsement. The former president asserts strong influence within the Republican Party, aiming to remove those he perceives as disloyal. Trump’s endorsement was pivotal for Letlow, highlighting his enduring sway over the party as he nears the end of his second term. This time was marked by inflation, declining approval ratings, and dissatisfaction with the war with Iran.

Many senators who opposed Trump chose not to run again. In contrast, Cassidy sought re-election, spending nearly double the combined amount of his opponents. Despite the significant expenditure, Cassidy failed to qualify for a runoff. Addressing his supporters post-defeat, Cassidy emphasized the importance of the welfare of all Americans and the Constitution, not individual figures.

Letlow spoke at her victory party, acknowledging Trump’s crucial role. “I want to say thank you to a very special man who you all know, the best president this country has ever had, President Donald Trump,” she said. She criticized Cassidy’s impeachment vote, saying it showed a turn away from Louisiana voters. Trump also celebrated Letlow’s victory, asserting that impeaching him was a mistake.

On the day of the election, Trump called Cassidy a disaster. The senator responded by emphasizing his focus on character and integrity over online attacks. Meanwhile, Trump remains active in primary campaigns, carrying out political retributions. In Indiana, he supported five out of seven state senators who rejected a redistricting plan. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is another target, with a Trump-backed challenger running against him. Massie opposed policies like Trump’s tax legislation and questioned decisions like the war with Iran.

Despite internal party conflicts, Republicans risk losing control of Congress in the upcoming midterms. The Letlow-Fleming runoff is crucial in determining Louisiana’s next senator, given the state’s Republican leanings. On the Democratic side, Jamie Davis advanced to a runoff, while Nicholas Albares and Gary Crockett fought for the second spot.

The election faced complications due to a Supreme Court decision affecting the Voting Rights Act, impacting congressional map drawing. While the Senate primary proceeded, Louisiana leaders postponed House primaries to adjust district lines, causing voter confusion. Cassidy criticized a new primary system requiring partisan ballots rather than previous all-party primaries. He noted voter reports of not being able to vote for him due to confusion.

Amid this, Cassidy’s campaign efforts were significant, with advertising costs nearing $9.6 million. The Louisiana Freedom Fund, supporting him, aimed to spend $12.3 million. Letlow and her super PAC spent significantly less but capitalized on Trump’s endorsement. Fleming’s campaign expenditures were also modest in comparison.

Cassidy’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion became a campaign issue. Whereas Trump targeted DEI policies, Letlow acknowledged her support for DEI while being considered for a college presidency in 2020. Cassidy’s impeachment vote lingered over his campaign. John Martin, a retired engineer, expressed his choice for Letlow based on Trump’s endorsement.

Cassidy avoided Trump’s wrath last year by supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a health post despite differing views. However, Cassidy criticized Kennedy during the Senate health committee leadership, disagreeing on vaccine funding cuts. Trump also attributed a failed nomination for surgeon general to Cassidy’s influence, resulting in a withdrawal and criticism of the senator.

Letlow waited strategically for Trump’s endorsement to enter the Senate race. Before this, Trump ally Fleming announced his candidacy. Letlow’s path to politics was unusual and unfortunate. Her husband, Luke, was elected to the U.S. House but died of COVID-19 before taking office. Letlow won the subsequent special election and was re-elected in the following years.

Beaumont contributed to this report from Des Moines, Iowa.

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