Senator Bill Cassidy has lost the Louisiana Republican primary, according to a race call by the Associated Press, marking a major political upset and a test of President Donald Trump’s influence over the GOP.
Cassidy Defeated in Louisiana GOP Primary
Cassidy, a two-term U.S. Senator and former physician, was one of seven Republican senators to vote to convict Trump after the January 6th Capitol insurrection.
That vote put him at odds with Trump and his MAGA coalition, prompting Trump to support Representative Julia Letlow in a bid to unseat Cassidy.
The primary race pitted Cassidy’s experience and Senate leadership against Letlow, a political newcomer and MAGA loyalist.
Julia Letlow Emerges as Primary Front-Runner
Julia Letlow first entered Congress in 2021, winning a special election for the House seat her late husband, Luke Letlow, had been set to assume before he passed away from COVID-19.
Since taking office, Letlow has focused on issues including education and children, sponsoring the “Parents Bill of Rights Act” to give parents more access to classroom materials and information about student requests for pronouns, locker room use, or participation in sports teams.
She also serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has publicly embraced President Trump’s political agenda.
On Saturday, Letlow came in first in the primary and will face Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming in the June 27 runoff. Cassidy finished third, ending his bid for a third Senate term.
Implications for Trump’s Influence in the GOP
Cassidy’s defeat is seen as a victory for President Trump, who has tested Republican loyalty in races across the country.
Earlier this year, Trump-backed candidates challenged incumbents in Indiana state senate primaries, and upcoming races, like Kentucky’s primary featuring Representative Thomas Massie, will serve as further measures of his influence.
Political analysts say Cassidy’s loss highlights how loyalty to President Trump continues to shape Republican primaries and voter preferences.
