Updated on: May 17, 2026 / 11:31 AM EDT / CBS News
Washington — CBS News projects that Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana state Treasurer John Fleming have progressed to a runoff in the Louisiana Senate Republican primary held on Saturday. They managed to defeat incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Cassidy, aged 68, faced challenges following his vote to convict President Donald Trump during the impeachment trial after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Although he highlighted his efforts to cooperate with the administration since, the president expressed support for Letlow in January. He encouraged her to run against Cassidy.
Mr. Trump congratulated Letlow late on Saturday via Truth Social, commending her for a strong campaign and her victory over an incumbent senator. He expressed confidence in her potential as a future senator for Louisiana, praising his contributions to the state’s prosperity.
Trump criticized Cassidy for allegedly misusing their relationship during his political career and voting for impeachment on unfounded charges.
In his address to supporters on Saturday, Cassidy emphasized that the nation should prioritize the welfare of all Americans and the Constitution over individual interests, according to The Associated Press.
Letlow, who spoke to supporters, lauded Trump as the best president the country has had. She became the first female Republican to represent Louisiana in Congress in 2021 after winning a special election for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. Her victory followed her husband’s death due to COVID-19 complications in 2020 before he could take office. She criticized Cassidy for his perceived disloyalty to the GOP.
The Associated Press noted Letlow accused Cassidy of not sufficiently supporting conservative values, suggesting Louisiana should have a senator whose votes are predictable under pressure.
Letlow promoted Trump’s endorsement, while Fleming, formerly serving in the Trump administration and the U.S. House, identified as the only staunch conservative MAGA Republican in the race.
Cassidy voted to impeach Trump and opposed the administration on other issues, including decisions by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite supporting Kennedy’s nomination. A medical doctor by profession, Cassidy criticized changes to infant vaccination schedules and suggested delaying vaccine advisory panel meetings.
As Cassidy criticized Letlow for not being conservative enough, he referenced her support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in 2020. This criticism was echoed by Fleming.
The race showcases the president’s enduring influence. For instance, Trump recently succeeded in securing the removal of Republicans who opposed his redistricting plans in Indiana’s state Senate.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee supported Cassidy, who aimed to secure his third term. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised him as a remarkable senator for Louisiana, acknowledging that local voters would ultimately decide his fate.
Mitt Romney, former GOP presidential nominee, stated that Cassidy’s defeat signifies a loss of a brilliant mind, a healthcare leader, and an individual of high character in the Senate.
CBS News forecasts Jamie Davis, a third-generation farmer, as the nominee on the Democratic side, having defeated Nick Albares and Gary Crockett. However, Louisiana remains a predominantly Republican state, as demonstrated by Trump securing 60% of the vote in 2024. The state last elected a Democratic senator in 2008, making the GOP primary victor likely to secure the Senate seat in November’s general election.
Amidst recent Supreme Court rulings, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry postponed the state’s House primaries but affirmed that other races, including the Senate primaries, will continue as planned.
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