President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) in a potential primary challenge against Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) for Louisiana’s U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 election.
Letlow, a former academic administrator from Monroe, Louisiana, entered politics following the death of her husband, Luke Letlow, who was elected to Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in 2020 but passed away from COVID-19 complications before taking office. She won the special election runoff in March 2021, becoming the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in the U.S. House.
She assumed office in April 2021 and has been re-elected since, serving on committees including Appropriations, Education and the Workforce, and Agriculture. She has maintained a relationship with Trump aligned with his “America First” policies, focusing on issues like economic growth, energy, and border security, which has now culminated in his endorsement for a potential Senate bid.
“Highly Respected America First Congresswoman, Julia Letlow, of the wonderful State of Louisiana, is a Great Star, has been from the very beginning, and only gets better! I am hearing that Julia is considering launching her Campaign for the United States Senate in Louisiana, a place I love and WON BIG, six times, including Primaries, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!” Trump posted on Truth Social in a somewhat surprising endorsement.
He described her as a “TOTAL WINNER” who has “always delivered for Louisiana,” and added that as Senator, she would “work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Support our Amazing Farmers and Fishermen, Champion Louisiana Oil & Gas, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Trump concluded, “Should she decide to enter this Race, Julia Letlow has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JULIA, RUN!!!”
Letlow responded by expressing that she was honored and reiterated her commitment to national priorities.
Cassidy, a physician by profession, has served in the U.S. Senate since January 3, 2015, following his election in 2014 when he defeated incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu. This marks over 11 years in the Senate as of early 2026.
He was re-elected in 2020 for a second term. Prior to the Senate, Cassidy served in the Louisiana State Senate from 2006 to 2009 and in the U.S. House from 2009 to 2015, representing Louisiana’s 6th District. Cassidy’s time in office has included work on health care, energy, and infrastructure, and he currently chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Cassidy has been at odds with Trump on several occasions. In February 2021, Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial related to the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol.
This vote led to criticism from Trump, who later referred to Cassidy as “disloyal” and a “total flake” in public statements. Additionally, Cassidy expressed initial doubts about Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services but ultimately voted to confirm him. These instances have contributed to tensions, with some figures, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, reportedly encouraging a primary challenge.
The potential primary comes as Cassidy has announced his intent to seek re-election. Louisiana’s electoral system uses a jungle primary, where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, potentially advancing to a runoff if no one secures a majority.
As of now, Letlow has not officially declared her candidacy, though she is expected to do so.
