Senator Cassidy Falls Short in Louisiana GOP Primary, Runoff Set for June
Similar Articles
Louisiana GOP Senate Primary Tests Trump's Influence Amid Party Rift
Kennedy Allies Target Cassidy in Louisiana Senate Primary
Trump-Backed Challengers Win Key Republican Primaries, Signaling Party Consolidation
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff
Louisiana Suspends House Primary Elections Following Supreme Court Map Ruling
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) finished third in Louisiana's Republican primary on Saturday, failing to qualify for a runoff. U.S. Representative Julia Letlow, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, finished first and will face state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff election on June 27.
Facts First
- Senator Bill Cassidy finished third in Louisiana's Republican Senate primary.
- Representative Julia Letlow finished first and will face state Treasurer John Fleming in a June 27 runoff.
- President Donald Trump endorsed Julia Letlow and urged voters to oust Cassidy.
- Cassidy voted to convict Trump during the Senate impeachment trial following the January 6, 2021, riot.
- Cassidy outspent his rivals but failed to qualify for the runoff.
What Happened
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) did not finish in the top two spots in Louisiana's Republican Senate primary on Saturday, May 16, 2026, according to Associated Press projections. U.S. Representative Julia Letlow finished first in the primary voting. Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming will now compete for the Republican nomination in a runoff election on June 27. Cassidy, a physician-turned-senator who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, addressed supporters in Baton Rouge following his defeat.
Why this Matters to You
This primary result may signal the continued influence of former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party and could affect the direction of key policy areas. As chair of the Senate health committee, Cassidy has worked on legislation to lower prescription drug costs and crack down on fentanyl. The eventual nominee could influence future federal funding for Louisiana and the advancement of health-related legislation.
What's Next
A runoff election for the Republican Senate nomination will take place on June 27 between Representative Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming. President Trump endorsed Letlow in January, while Fleming identified himself as an ally of Trump and the MAGA movement without receiving the president's endorsement. The outcome of this runoff will determine the Republican candidate for the Senate seat in November. Meanwhile, Trump's influence appears to be tested in other races; he is backing a challenger to U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) in a Kentucky primary on Tuesday.