Trump backs Rep. Julia Letlow to challenge Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana

January 20, 2026

Republican Representative Julia Letlow has entered Louisiana's Senate race with former President Trump's endorsement to challenge incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy in the primary election. Letlow, who was elected in 2021 after her husband died from COVID-19 before taking office, is positioning herself as a more reliable conservative alternative to Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump during his impeachment trial. The crowded Republican primary field includes several state-level officials, with the election scheduled for May 16 and a potential runoff in June.

Who is affected

Senator Bill Cassidy (incumbent facing primary challenge)
Representative Julia Letlow (challenging candidate)
Former President Donald Trump (endorser)
Other Republican primary candidates: John Fleming, Eric Skrmetta, Blake Miguez, and Julie Emerson
Democratic candidates: Jamie Davis and Jabarie Walker
Louisiana voters and residents
Senate Republicans (who currently hold a 53-47 majority)

What action is being taken

Rep. Julia Letlow is formally running for Senate
Sen. Bill Cassidy is seeking re-election
Multiple other candidates are running in the primary
Sen. Cassidy is criticizing HHS decisions on vaccine policy
President Trump is endorsing Letlow through Truth Social

Why it matters

This race matters because it represents a direct challenge to an incumbent Republican senator who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, highlighting ongoing divisions within the Republican Party over Trump loyalty. The outcome could affect Senate dynamics since Republicans hold only a narrow three-seat majority, and it serves as a test of Trump's influence in Republican primaries. Additionally, the race occurs in a solidly Republican state that Trump won by 22 points, making the primary essentially determinative of who will hold the seat for the next six years.

What's next

The Louisiana primary election will be held on May 16
If no candidate receives a majority, the top two candidates will advance to a June 27 runoff
The general election winner will serve a six-year Senate term

Read full article from source: The 19th