Backed by Trump, Letlow Launches Primary Bid vs Cassidy in Louisiana/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow has launched a Republican primary challenge against incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy, following a high-profile endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in 2021, now faces mounting pressure from pro-Trump conservatives. Letlow’s candidacy intensifies GOP tensions ahead of the May 2026 primary.
Julia Letlow Senate Bid Quick Looks
- Rep. Julia Letlow announces 2026 Senate run against Sen. Bill Cassidy
- Letlow’s campaign follows endorsement from former President Donald Trump
- Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021, alienating some Republicans
- Letlow highlights pro-Trump record and support for conservative policies
- GOP primary in Louisiana set for May 16, 2026
- Other Republican contenders include John Fleming and Julie Emerson
- Trump’s endorsement contrasts with GOP Senate leadership backing Cassidy
- Letlow gained her seat in 2021 after her husband’s passing from COVID-19
Deep Look
Julia Letlow Enters Louisiana Senate Race Backed by Trump, Challenging Sen. Bill Cassidy in GOP Primary
Louisiana Republican Rep. Julia Letlow formally launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, setting up a high-profile primary battle with incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy. Her entry into the race comes just days after receiving a strong endorsement from former President Donald Trump, further deepening divisions within the Republican Party.
Letlow announced her candidacy during a morning address at a business breakfast hosted by The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report.
“It’s an honor to share with you, after the endorsement and encouragement from the president, the president of the United States, Trump, that today I will officially be announcing my candidacy for the U.S. Senate,” Letlow said during her 18-minute speech.
Her decision presents a direct challenge to Cassidy, a two-term Republican who has struggled to maintain support among Trump-aligned conservatives following his vote in 2021 to convict the former president during Trump’s second impeachment trial. That vote, tied to Trump’s alleged role in the January 6 Capitol riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, has continued to haunt Cassidy’s political standing in deeply conservative Louisiana.
Letlow’s campaign announcement did not include any criticisms of Cassidy by name, instead focusing on her support for Republican-led legislation, including a major domestic policy and tax package passed last summer and signed into law by Trump. A consistent Trump ally, Letlow has voted in line with the former president’s policy priorities throughout her time in the House of Representatives.
Cassidy acknowledged Letlow’s challenge in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Congresswoman Letlow called me this morning to say she was running,” he wrote. “She said she respected me and that I had done a good job. I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election.”
The endorsement from Trump sets up a political showdown between the former president and Senate GOP leadership. While Trump is backing Letlow, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has endorsed Cassidy, following its tradition of supporting incumbent senators. Senate Majority Whip John Thune, a leading voice within the NRSC, recently appeared with Cassidy at a public event in Louisiana, signaling establishment support.
Letlow’s entry also aligns with the agenda of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a staunch Trump ally who has previously floated Letlow as a potential Senate contender. Landry, who has since taken on an unusual diplomatic role as Trump’s envoy to Greenland, reportedly encouraged Letlow to run against Cassidy to provide a stronger “America First” option on the ballot.
The primary is scheduled for May 16, 2026, and is open to registered Republicans and independents. Cassidy is not the only Republican facing Letlow in the primary: state Treasurer and former Congressman John Fleming and state Representative Julie Emerson have also entered the race. Both, like Cassidy, previously hoped to earn Trump’s support. Fleming, in particular, had served in Trump’s first administration and was seen as a potential favorite before Letlow secured the endorsement.
Cassidy’s relationship with Trump has been marked by tension and attempted reconciliation. Despite his 2021 impeachment vote, Cassidy has since attempted to realign with the MAGA wing of the GOP. His social media presence often features favorable mentions of Trump, and he still prominently displays images of a signed red Trump hat and a visit to the Oval Office.
Notably, Cassidy serves as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and played a pivotal role in advancing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary. Though Cassidy had voiced skepticism about Kennedy’s controversial positions on vaccines, he ultimately voted to advance the nomination, citing assurances that certain public health policies would not be altered. Nonetheless, Kennedy has already moved to revise vaccine recommendations, prompting criticism from public health advocates.
Letlow’s political rise began in 2021 after the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, who had been elected to Congress but died of COVID-19 complications before taking office. Julia Letlow ran in the special election and won the seat, quickly becoming a reliable conservative voice representing north and central Louisiana.
Trump’s endorsement of Letlow came via his Truth Social platform on Saturday. “Highly Respected America First Congresswoman, Julia Letlow, of the wonderful State of Louisiana, is a Great Star, has been from the very beginning, and only gets better!” he wrote. “Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!”
Despite that, Cassidy’s online accounts continue to feature pro-Trump messaging. A photo pinned atop his campaign account shows him alongside Trump, smiling in the Oval Office beneath a caption:
“This is what a great working relationship looks like.”
As the Louisiana Senate race takes shape, the Republican primary is set to become one of the most watched contests in the 2026 midterms — a symbolic and strategic fight over the future of the GOP, the legacy of Donald Trump, and the direction of the conservative movement in the Deep South.
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