Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana who voted to convict former President Donald Trump on impeachment charges in 2021, has been defeated in his Republican primary. Two challengers, both aligned with Trump, have advanced to a runoff election. According to NBC News projections, Representative Julia Letlow, who had received Trump’s endorsement, will compete against state Treasurer John Fleming in the runoff scheduled for June 27.
Cassidy’s defeat underscores Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party as he seeks to retaliate against those who have opposed him. With this result, another Republican who voted to convict Trump during the 2021 impeachment will not return to Congress next year.
Letlow led the primary with 45% of the votes, followed by Fleming with 28% and Cassidy with 25%. As Letlow did not secure a majority, the race proceeds to a runoff. Trump expressed satisfaction with Cassidy’s loss through a Truth Social post, highlighting Cassidy’s impeachment vote and declaring his political career over.
In his concession speech, Cassidy did not directly mention Trump but criticized his false claims about the 2020 election being stolen. “When you participate in democracy, sometimes it doesn’t turn out the way you want,” Cassidy stated, emphasizing gratitude and the importance of integrity in public service.
Cassidy further argued that the nation should prioritize the welfare of all Americans and adhere to the Constitution, rather than focusing on a single individual. He condemned those who seek power for personal gain rather than public service.
The senator also addressed attacks on social media, asserting that only those with character and integrity could affect him personally.
Cassidy was the first elected Republican senator to lose a primary since 2012. Despite his impeachment vote being a potential liability, Cassidy maintained his support for Trump’s policies. He compared it to a marriage where disagreements can be worked through without losing overall support.
However, Cassidy’s vote did not resonate with some Louisiana voters. Elias Jacob FaKouri, a Fleming supporter, criticized Cassidy for attempting to impeach Trump, who had aided his election.
Cassidy, a physician, is also noted for his involvement in vaccine-related debates during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as health secretary. He balanced critique of the Department of Health and Human Services with caution to avoid antagonizing Trump.
Supporters of Cassidy appreciated his independence from party lines, seeing it as a positive trait. Donny Gutierrez, a voter, praised Cassidy’s ability to act independently of party influence.
In the primary campaign, Cassidy and his supporters scrutinized Letlow’s stock trading and previous support for diversity initiatives, labeling her “Liberal Letlow.” Letlow dismissed these attacks, clarifying that her stock transactions were managed by a third party and stating her evolved position on diversity efforts.
Rep. Julia Letlow, meanwhile, emphasized her endorsement from Trump and support from GOP Governor Jeff Landry. She labeled her opponents, including Fleming, as “never Trumpers.” Letlow highlighted her congressional win after her husband’s death due to Covid and cited Trump’s endorsement as energizing her campaign.
Fleming, lacking Trump’s endorsement, presented himself as an ally of Trump and claimed the “true conservative” label, launching a largely self-funded campaign with a $10.6 million loan. He faced pressure to withdraw his candidacy but continued to run, criticizing Cassidy’s impeachment vote.
It remains uncertain if Trump will become more involved in the runoff. While Trump focused on ousting another opponent, Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, he has shown some support through media appearances backing Letlow.
The Democratic primary is also proceeding to a runoff, with Jamie Davis advancing. However, Republicans are favored to retain the seat, given their recent electoral successes in Louisiana, a state Trump won significantly in the past.