Trump’s endorsement faces another test in Louisiana Senate primary runoff

Trump’s Endorsement Faces Test in Louisiana Senate Primary Runoff

President Donald Trump’s endorsement will be tested again on Saturday in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana. Low voter turnout could increase uncertainty in the contest.

Trump supported a challenge to incumbent Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events. Cassidy placed third in the May 16 primary with 25 percent of the vote and did not advance to the runoff.

Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow received 45 percent in the primary, and state Treasurer John Fleming received 28 percent. Because no candidate obtained a majority, Letlow and Fleming will compete in the runoff.

Letlow holds an advantage in the runoff, supported by Trump’s endorsement. During a tele-rally Thursday evening, Trump urged voters to support Letlow and described her as a “fearless champion” for Louisiana. Letlow stated she would back Trump’s policy priorities and presented the race as a choice between two types of candidates.

Some Louisiana Republicans have stated that Fleming could win if turnout is low and primarily strong conservative voters participate. Louisiana GOP strategist Lionel Rainey III, who is not working on the race, said Letlow is expected to win but that the margin could be narrower than anticipated. He added that a Fleming victory, while not probable, remains possible.

Fleming has argued that he can attract Trump supporters as voters examine the candidates more closely. He told NBC News that the primary period focused heavily on defeating Cassidy, with many voters prioritizing that goal over other distinctions. Fleming said some viewed Letlow mainly as a means to remove Cassidy. He stated that the runoff presents a different situation, with voters comparing records directly, and described his own positions and voting history as more conservative.

Fleming previously served in the House and was a member of the House Freedom Caucus. He also held a position in the Trump administration as deputy chief of staff in its final months. He has described himself as the stronger conservative in the race and has criticized Letlow’s past positions on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as well as foreign aid.

Letlow stated to NBC News earlier this year that she changed her position on DEI after reviewing the policies and has opposed them since. Fleming has maintained that Trump endorsed Letlow following discussions with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who also supports Letlow. Fleming said he spoke with Trump by phone after the endorsement and that Trump described him positively. Trump did not reference Fleming during the Thursday tele-rally and instead praised Letlow, noting her support for the SAVE America Act on election procedures.

Letlow stated that she is the only candidate who agrees with Trump on using the Senate filibuster process to advance the SAVE America Act. Fleming said he would consider options including reconciliation or changes to the filibuster to pass the measure but expressed concern that removing the filibuster could allow future Democratic majorities to advance their priorities more easily.

Letlow has received support from allied super PACs running advertisements. She also has endorsements from other Louisiana Republicans, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Clay Higgins. Higgins endorsed Letlow after Fleming posted an AI-generated video that included a deepfake of Letlow; Higgins described the video as inappropriate. Letlow won a 2021 special election to the House after her husband died before taking office. Fleming has said his campaign did not produce AI videos but considers parody advertisements acceptable; the post was later removed.

GOP strategist James Hartman said Trump’s endorsement has provided the largest advantage to Letlow and could determine the outcome. He stated that when Trump identifies Letlow as aligned with his agenda, many supporters follow that guidance.

The race occurs under Louisiana’s primary system, in which all candidates appear on a single ballot and the top two advance if no one receives a majority. The winner of the runoff will face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.