Louisiana GOP Senate Primary: Letlow and Fleming Face Off After Cassidy’s Ouster

Washington, D.C. — Following the recent Louisiana Republican Senate primary, CBS News reports that Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana state Treasurer John Fleming will proceed to a runoff election. This comes after they ousted incumbent GOP Senator Bill Cassidy.

Cassidy, age 68, was among the seven Republican senators who voted to convict former President Trump during his impeachment trial following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Although Cassidy highlighted collaborative efforts with the administration in recent times, President Trump endorsed Letlow in January, urging her to contest Cassidy’s seat.

On Saturday night, Trump expressed his congratulations to Letlow via Truth Social, praising her performance in the race. He remarked, “Letlow is a fantastic person and will make a brilliant Senator for the Great People of Louisiana.” Trump criticized Cassidy, accusing him of misrepresenting their relationship for electoral gain and condemning Cassidy’s impeachment vote.

At a gathering with supporters, Cassidy emphasized the importance of nation-wide welfare over individual focus, stating, “Our country is not about one individual. It is about the welfare of all Americans, and about the Constitution.” The Associated Press noted that Letlow hailed Trump as “the best president this country has ever had” during her address.

Letlow, age 45, became the first Republican woman in Congress representing Louisiana in 2021, after winning a special election for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. Her victory followed the passing of her husband due to COVID-19 complications before he could assume office. Criticizing Cassidy’s loyalty to the GOP, she argued, “Louisiana shouldn’t have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure’s on.”

CBS News projects U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana state Treasurer John Fleming moving towards a runoff in the Louisiana GOP Primary. Letlow received Trump’s endorsement while Fleming, a former member of Trump’s administration and U.S. House representative, labeled himself as “the only conservative MAGA Republican” running.

Cassidy’s conflicts with Trump extended beyond impeachment, notably disagreeing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s leadership despite supporting Kennedy’s nomination. As a medical professional, Cassidy criticized vaccine-related changes, indicating divergence from his Trump-supported opponents.

Letlow’s support for DEI programs in 2020 drew accusations from both Cassidy and Fleming regarding her conservative credentials. This contest illustrates Trump’s ongoing influence, seen earlier this month when his strategy succeeded in Indiana’s state Senate redistricting challenge.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee, backing Cassidy in his third-term bid, reacted to his defeat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Cassidy as an effective senator, acknowledging voter discretion in Louisiana.

Former GOP Senator Mitt Romney of Utah commented on Cassidy’s exit, labeling him as a “brilliant and creative mind” and characterizing his departure as a national loss.

Democratic candidate Jamie Davis, a third-generation farmer, won his party’s nomination against former advisor Nick Albares and Navy veteran Gary Crockett, CBS News projects. Given Louisiana’s solid red status and Trump’s past electoral success, the GOP primary winner is favored in November’s general election.

Republican Governor Jeff Landry halted state House primaries after the Supreme Court invalidated Louisiana’s congressional map, retaining the Senate races per schedule.