President Donald Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry have discussed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow challenging U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. This conversation reveals growing concerns within Trump’s base about Cassidy. Cassidy’s vote to convict Trump during the 2021 impeachment trial has become a key issue in the upcoming Republican primary challenge.
Governor Landry, a close Trump ally, spoke with the president about Letlow as a potential Senate candidate. Letlow’s spokesperson declined to comment, but sources confirmed that Landry has been encouraging her to run for Senate. With Trump’s 60% victory in Louisiana during the 2024 election, a Senate seat is a strong possibility for a Republican.
Landry and Cassidy are cordial, but they have differences when it comes to loyalty to Trump. Cassidy’s moderate stance has distanced him from some of Louisiana’s Republican base. Cassidy’s spokesperson, Ashley Bosch, defended him, stating that he has delivered conservative results for Louisiana. She believes voters will re-elect him despite challenges.
Letlow, a three-term Republican representative, sits on the influential House Appropriations Committee. She gained her seat after her husband, Luke Letlow, passed away in 2021. Due to redistricting, her district now includes parts of Baton Rouge, where Cassidy lives. This change gives Letlow a strategic advantage in the upcoming Republican primary challenge.
Cassidy faces another challenger in Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming. However, Letlow’s potential run could be a bigger threat due to her strong connections to the Trump base.
Cassidy’s impeachment vote has become a significant hurdle. Many Republican activists criticized him for it. The state Republican executive committee censured him, and local committees like the one in Bossier Parish also condemned him. Trump has criticized Cassidy, calling him “one of the worst Senators in the United States Senate.”
The new primary system in Louisiana might hurt Cassidy. The state now limits participation to Republicans and independents, potentially benefiting hard-right candidates. This change makes Cassidy’s reelection bid more challenging, especially in the context of a Republican primary challenge.
Despite the difficulties, Cassidy still holds a fundraising advantage. By the end of the first quarter, he had over $7.4 million in his campaign account. Cassidy has begun laying the foundation for his campaign and is expected to announce his candidacy soon.
Recently, Cassidy received praise from Trump at an economic event. This signals that their relationship might be less strained than in the past. Trump acknowledged Cassidy’s work, saying, “We have some great people, great senators, here. Bill Cassidy, thank you, Bill.”
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
