Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) has secured the Republican nomination for Louisiana's Senate seat, defeating State Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff election. Decision Desk HQ projects Letlow's victory, bolstered by an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
The runoff was triggered after the May 16 primary, where no candidate surpassed the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round. Letlow led that primary with 45% of the vote, followed by Fleming at 29%. The field also included incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy and businessman Mark Spencer.
Letlow has served in Congress since 2021, filling the remainder of her late husband Rep. Luke Letlow's term after he died from COVID-19 complications. Her campaign emphasized loyalty to Trump, who endorsed her in January, writing on Truth Social: “Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, drew Trump's ire by voting to convict the former president during his 2021 impeachment trial. He also avoided committing to supporting Trump in the 2024 GOP primary. Despite Cassidy's efforts to align with Trump on policy—including a key vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary—the president's endorsement went to Letlow.
The race also unfolded under Louisiana's new closed primary system, replacing the state's traditional “jungle primary” where all candidates, regardless of party, appear on the same ballot. This shift forced Cassidy to compete solely in a Republican primary, a change that weakened his position. Trump's influence, combined with the closed primary structure, proved decisive in Letlow's victory.
Given Louisiana's deep red tilt, Letlow is heavily favored to win the general election in November. Her win marks another example of Trump's enduring sway over GOP primaries, even as some Republican incumbents have tried to navigate his shadow. The race also highlighted the broader challenges for the GOP in balancing Trump's demands with electoral strategy.
Letlow's campaign focused on conservative credentials and Trump's endorsement, while Fleming, a former congressman, struggled to gain traction. The runoff underscored the power of Trump's early backing in shaping the outcome.
With Cassidy's departure, the Senate seat will shift to a more Trump-aligned representative, solidifying the former president's influence in Louisiana politics. The general election is expected to be a formality, with Letlow poised to take the seat in November.
