Julia Letlow, a Republican U.S. Representative from Louisiana, announced on Tuesday her decision to enter the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Bill Cassidy. The announcement came with the backing of former President Donald Trump, underscoring Letlow’s alignment with Trump’s policies and conservative values.
In a two-minute campaign video released alongside her announcement, Letlow did not mention Senator Cassidy by name but suggested the incumbent falls short of the conservative standards expected by Louisiana voters. The video included the statement, "A state as conservative as ours? We shouldn’t have to wonder how our senator will vote when the pressure’s on," signaling a challenge to Cassidy's conservative credentials in a state that Trump won by 22 percentage points during the 2024 presidential election.
Letlow, age 44, entered the House of Representatives in 2021 and has positioned herself as a loyal Trump supporter. Cassidy, 68, who has served two terms as a Senator, voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. This vote has been a focal point in his opponents' critique.
Additionally, there have been policy disagreements between Cassidy and the Trump administration, particularly on healthcare matters. However, Cassidy nevertheless cast a significant vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Former President Trump elevated the profile of the Senate contest over the recent weekend through a social media endorsement urging Letlow to run, concluding his message with "RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!" On Tuesday, Cassidy acknowledged a phone call from Letlow, during which she expressed respect for his work. Cassidy responded publicly on the social media platform X, saying, "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 Senate primary race in Louisiana showcases deep ideological divides within the Republican Party, particularly between pro-Trump conservatives and establishment figures like Cassidy. The outcome may have implications for policymaking and political dynamics both within Louisiana and nationally, especially on issues such as healthcare reform and conservative legislative priorities.