President Donald Trump, alongside Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, is considering a shift in the Republican lineup for the upcoming Senate race. Discussions have emerged about U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow potentially challenging U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. This information comes from several individuals familiar with the conversations between Trump and Landry, indicating a strategic move within Republican circles.
The motivation behind discussing Letlow as a candidate against Cassidy stems from dissatisfaction with Cassidy among Trump’s supporters. Cassidy garnered criticism after voting to convict former President Trump during the 2021 impeachment trial following the January 6 Capitol riots. Additionally, his cautious stance towards confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s health secretary, nominated by Trump, adds to the tension.
The Senate, controlled by Republicans with a 53-47 majority, appears favorable for the GOP in the upcoming midterms. However, Cassidy, along with other GOP senators seeking reelection, faces the challenge of winning over Trump’s more steadfast supporters due to previous distancing moves.
Eddie Rispone, a past Republican nominee for Louisiana governor and supporter of Cassidy, mentions that Cassidy’s hurdle lies in his impeachment vote. “That’s what he has to overcome,” Rispone suggests, emphasizing Louisiana’s strong support for Trump. Known for his alliance with Trump, Governor Landry reportedly discussed Letlow’s potential as a Senate candidate with Trump last month. These discussions were confirmed by anonymous sources close to the matter, while Letlow’s spokesperson and Landry’s office chose not to comment.
Reports from insiders highlight that Landry is promoting Letlow for a Senate run as a safe bet for the GOP, particularly because Trump secured 60% of the Louisiana vote in the last election. Despite differences regarding Trump, Landry and Cassidy maintain a professional relationship.
Cassidy spokesperson Ashley Bosch emphasizes the senator’s commitment to delivering conservative results for Louisiana residents. “He’s worked hard to support the President’s agenda and we’re confident voters will re-elect him next year,” Bosch states. Letlow, a three-term Republican representative, won her seat in 2021 after the death of her husband, Luke, due to COVID-19 complications. Her district has evolved following a 2024 Supreme Court-ordered redistricting, incorporating parts of metropolitan Baton Rouge.
Facing early challenges, Cassidy’s Senate bid already confronts opposition from Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, adding another layer of competition. Nonetheless, Cassidy was publicly criticized by some state Republican activists for his vote to convict Trump in 2021. In response, the Louisiana Republican executive committee passed a unanimous censure motion against Cassidy. In a fruitful measure, Bossier Parish’s Republican committee labeled Cassidy’s actions as “an object of extreme shame” and called for his resignation.
Despite past tensions between Trump and Cassidy, hinted by Trump’s criticisms labeling him as “one of the worst Senators in the United States Senate” and a “disloyal lightweight,” recent developments show a softening stance. During a White House economic event, Trump acknowledged Cassidy, suggesting that their relationship may be improving.
The new congressional primary election system in Louisiana, which now requires candidates to run in party-specific primaries, could pose an additional challenge for Cassidy. Previously benefiting from more bipartisan jungle primaries, Cassidy might face difficulties among hard-line Republican voters still displeased with his impeachment vote. Rispone notes that the new system could complicate Cassidy’s campaign due to the involvement of staunch Republicans.
Cassidy remains financially prepared, with over $7.4 million for his campaign, and is laying the groundwork for his reelection candidacy announcement in the coming weeks. Despite the challenges, his acknowledgment by Trump at a recent event hints at potential support or recognition from the former president moving forward.