Cassidy loses Louisiana Senate primary in major Trump-backed upset

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has suffered a stunning defeat in his bid for re-election, falling short of advancing to the runoff in Saturday’s GOP primary. The loss marks a significant victory for former President Donald Trump, who has been actively seeking to oust political allies he perceives as disloyal. Rep. Julia Letlow, a Trump-endorsed candidate, and state Treasurer John Fleming advanced to the next round, leaving Cassidy, a two-term senator and chair of the influential Senate HELP Committee, in third place with roughly 25% of the vote.

Cassidy’s defeat is a historic moment, as he becomes the first sitting senator from either party to lose a primary election since 2012. His ousting reflects growing frustrations among MAGA-aligned voters over his past actions, including his vote to convict Trump during the Jan. 6 impeachment trial and his skepticism of Trump’s decision to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary. These issues resonated strongly with Louisiana Republicans, who overwhelmingly supported Letlow and Fleming in their campaigns.

The runoff between Letlow and Fleming will now determine the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate seat, extending what has already been an expensive and contentious race. Early polling data suggests a tight contest, though Letlow maintains a slight edge. The outcome of this race could have broader implications for Senate leadership and Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape the Republican Party. With significant political stakes and high tensions, the Louisiana Senate primary serves as a microcosm of the ongoing battles within the GOP over loyalty to Trump and traditional party leadership.