Staff Reports
Voters in Louisiana just handed the GOP a reminder: loyalty still matters in the Republican Party, and President Donald Trump’s endorsements still move the needle. In the state’s Republican U.S. Senate primary this weekend, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow finished on top and advanced to a June 27 runoff with Louisiana State Treasurer John C. Fleming, while U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy came in third and effectively ended his bid for a third term.
Letlow’s Win Was Decisive — Not Lucky
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow grabbed roughly 44–45 percent of the vote, John C. Fleming about 28 percent, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy around 24–25 percent. Under Louisiana’s top-two primary system, Letlow and Fleming move on to a runoff since no candidate cleared 50 percent. Letlow ran a campaign tied to conservative priorities and to the administration’s agenda, and the voters rewarded her with a strong plurality — not a fluke, but a clear signal from Louisiana Republican primary voters.
Trump’s Endorsement Proved Powerful
President Donald Trump publicly celebrated Letlow’s performance and didn’t hold back in criticizing Cassidy. Trump’s endorsement was part of what put Letlow on the map and helped consolidate conservative voters who wanted a candidate aligned with the White House. Polling heading into the primary showed Letlow with double-digit leads, and that momentum carried through on election night. If you’re keeping score, endorsements still matter in GOP primaries — especially when the endorsement comes from the party’s dominant voice.
Cassidy’s Vote Came Back To Haunt Him
Here’s the headline that should surprise no one: U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s vote to convict President Donald Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial was brought up again and again during the race. That decision cost him support among Republicans who wanted fidelity to conservative leadership and to the voters who put Trump in office multiple times. Cassidy conceded gracefully to supporters, saying democracy sometimes yields unwanted results, but voters made their point loudly — political disloyalty has consequences in today’s GOP.
What’s Next — The Runoff and Beyond
The June 27 runoff will settle who becomes the Republican nominee in a state that leans heavily Republican heading into November. With Letlow as the frontrunner, her path to the Senate looks strong. For conservatives watching nationwide, the lesson is clear: stand with the base and with the president’s agenda, or risk being replaced by someone who will. Louisiana’s primary was the latest evidence of that dynamic, and the runoff will only sharpen the choice for Republican voters.
