Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., officially jumped into the Louisiana Senate race on Tuesday, following a "bombshell" endorsement from President Donald Trump. Letlow announced her bid at a business breakfast in Baton Rouge, posing a direct threat to incumbent GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Trump’s "Complete and Total Endorsement" of Letlow has upended the primary and created a major political headache for Senate Majority Leader John Thune. While Thune continues to support Cassidy, the deep-pocketed Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) has announced it will remain neutral in the race.
Letlow, 44, was elected to the House in 2021 and has positioned herself as a conservative who "will not waver." Her entry into the race is expected to trigger a massive influx of campaign cash, further challenging Cassidy’s $10 million war chest.
A Crowded GOP Field
The primary remains one of the most combustible in the nation, with several high-profile Republicans vying for the seat. Cassidy, a physician seeking a third term, faces a steep climb after voting to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial.
- John Fleming: The State Treasurer and former Trump official is also running and claims recent polling shows him leading Cassidy.
- Blake Miguez & Julie Emerson: Both state legislators have entered the race to offer more conservative alternatives.
- Garrett Graves: The former Congressman is reportedly "mulling" a bid, which would further fracture the field.
Trump’s "Secret Weapon"
The President’s move against Cassidy is seen as part of a broader strategy to remove "Never Trump" Republicans from the Senate. In addition to Trump’s backing, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) PAC has pledged financial support for Letlow.
Elon Musk has also reportedly poured a staggering $10 million into the primary to support pro-Trump candidates. This massive financial backing could neutralize Cassidy’s historical fundraising advantage in the Pelican State.
As the March primary approaches, all eyes are on whether Trump will similarly intervene in the Texas Senate race. Longtime Sen. John Cornyn is facing challenges from Trump allies Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt, potentially setting up another high-stakes showdown.