Trump-Backed Letlow Leads Louisiana Senate Primary, Cassidy Out

Louisiana voters delivered a clear rebuke to Senator Bill Cassidy on Saturday, ousting the two-term Republican in his party's Senate primary after years of attacks from President Donald Trump over the senator's vote to convict him in the 2021 impeachment trial tied to the January 6 Capitol riot. With nearly all votes counted, Representative Julia Letlow, whom Trump endorsed, led with around 45 percent, followed by state Treasurer John Fleming at 28 percent. Cassidy finished third with roughly 25 percent, failing to advance to the June 27 runoff.

Trump made no secret of his desire to punish Cassidy, one of only seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict him for inciting the January 6 insurrection. Hours before polls opened, the president posted on Truth Social that Cassidy was a "disloyal disaster" and a "sleazebag" who had turned on him after promising loyalty during his own campaign. Trump urged voters to back Letlow and Fleming, claiming Cassidy was "BAD FOR LOUISIANA" and would be "CLOBBERED" in the election. After the results came in, Trump celebrated online, declaring Cassidy's political career over due to what he called his "disloyalty."

Cassidy, a physician by training who had previously emphasized his ability to work with Trump despite past differences, could not overcome the president's sustained pressure. He had outspent his rivals and highlighted legislative accomplishments, but the primary outcome reflected the enduring pull of Trump's influence within the Republican base. Letlow, who entered the race with Trump's backing in January, positioned herself as a loyal supporter and criticized Cassidy for past bipartisan efforts, including partnerships on diversity initiatives.

The result adds to a pattern of Trump-driven retribution against Republicans who broke with him on the events of January 6. Cassidy was among the few who remained in office after casting that vote, and he had tried to mend fences by supporting some administration priorities, such as the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Yet those gestures proved insufficient against the president's personal campaign to replace him.

In his concession remarks, Cassidy struck a defiant tone, telling supporters that the country is about the welfare of all Americans and the Constitution rather than any single individual. He appeared to reference Trump's style of personal attacks, noting that insults from those lacking character and integrity carry little weight. Letlow, meanwhile, thanked Trump explicitly in her victory speech, calling him the best president the country has ever had.

Fleming, a former Trump administration official, will now face Letlow in the runoff, ensuring that the president's preferred direction for the seat remains a central factor. Cassidy's defeat underscores how primary challenges rooted in personal loyalty to Trump continue to reshape the Republican Party, sidelining those who once prioritized accountability for the Capitol attack even within deep-red states.