Trump-Backed Julia Letlow Wins Louisiana Senate Runoff
President Donald Trump's endorsement power delivered another decisive victory on Saturday as Rep. Julia Letlow won the Louisiana GOP Senate runoff. Letlow defeated state Treasurer John Fleming, securing her place as the frontrunner for the midterm election and effectively ending the political career of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who famously voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial.
How Did Bill Cassidy React to His Ouster?
Six weeks after denying Cassidy a third six-year term, Louisiana voters made their voices heard. Cassidy became the first elected Republican senator to lose renomination since Indiana's Richard Lugar in 2012. Trump celebrated the news on Truth Social, declaring that it is nice to see that Cassidy's political career is OVER.
Cassidy, however, took a parting shot at the president during his concession speech. When you participate in democracy, sometimes it doesn't turn out the way you want it to, Cassidy said. But you don't pout, you don't whine. You don't claim the election was stolen. You don't manufacture some excuse.
What Does the Louisiana Runoff Mean for the Midterms?
Letlow, who was backed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and endorsed by Trump even before she entered the race in January, finished double digits ahead of Fleming in the primary. She highlighted her steadfast support from Trump throughout her campaign, leaning into the America First agenda that resonates deeply with conservative voters.
Trump praised Letlow's victory, writing on Truth Social that Julia Letlow WON in Louisiana, beating conclusively a very strong and smart opponent. Congratulations to Julia. She will be a truly GREAT Senator!
Letlow first won her congressional seat in 2021 following the tragic death of her husband, Luke Letlow, who passed away just five days before being sworn into the U.S. House after his 2020 election victory. She will now be considered the clear frontrunner in the midterm election against either farmer Jamie Davis or Navy veteran Gary Crockett, the Democratic Party runoff candidates.
What Happened with Trump's Endorsement in Iowa?
While Trump's endorsement has been a powerful force nationwide, it recently hit a snag here in Iowa. Three weeks ago, Trump's last-minute endorsement of Rep. Randy Feenstra was not enough to secure the Republican nomination for governor. Feenstra was narrowly defeated by Zach Lahn, a businessman, farmer, and former political strategist.
Lahn secured victory with the backing of the political wings of MAHA, the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Turning Point USA, the powerful conservative organization. The Iowa race showed that while Trump's endorsement remains a massive asset, grassroots conservative movements can still override it in specific local contexts.
How Has Trump's Endorsement Power Fared Nationally?
Across the country, the president's endorsement has been a formidable weapon against incumbents he targeted. Over the past two months, Trump-backed candidates have ousted incumbents in showdowns in Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas.
In South Carolina, Trump rebounded from the Iowa setback. Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pam Evette won the GOP gubernatorial primary, and longtime ally Sen. Lindsey Graham won a majority of the vote, avoiding a runoff against five challengers. Graham faced criticism from conservative businessman Mark Lynch over his support for the war in Iran, but Trump's endorsement carried the day.
Two weeks ago, Trump-backed candidates won two of the three top races in Georgia and Alabama. In Alabama, House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Barry Moore comfortably defeated former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson. In battleground Georgia, an 11th-hour Trump endorsement boosted Rep. Mike Collins to victory over former college football coach Derek Dooley. Collins will now face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in a race that could decide if the GOP holds its slim Senate majority.
However, Trump did face a setback in Georgia's GOP gubernatorial runoff, where his endorsed candidate, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, lost to billionaire outsider Rick Jackson, who spent over $100 million of his own money to boost his campaign. Most recently in upstate New York, Trump-backed first-time candidate Anthony Constantino, a businessman and former boxer, defeated retired Marine Corps colonel Robert Smullen to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Who will Julia Letlow face in the general election?
Julia Letlow will face the winner of the Democratic Party runoff between farmer Jamie Davis and Navy veteran Gary Crockett. Letlow is considered the clear frontrunner in the solidly red state of Louisiana.
Why did Bill Cassidy lose his Senate seat?
Bill Cassidy lost the Republican nomination after voting to convict President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial five years ago. His vote alienated the Republican base in Louisiana, leading to a third-place finish in the primary.