Cassidy Faces Tough Senate Re-Election Bid in Louisiana

Senator's vote to convict Trump after Capitol riots becomes key issue in GOP primary

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is running for a third term in Louisiana, but his willingness to buck former President Trump by voting to convict him after the January 6th Capitol riots has made him a target for several Republican challengers. Cassidy touts his record of delivering federal funding for Louisiana, but his rivals are attacking him as a 'RINO' (Republican In Name Only) who has betrayed the party's Trump-aligned base.

Why it matters

Cassidy's independent streak could prove risky in Louisiana's new closed-party primary system, where Republican activists who strongly support Trump are expected to turn out in force. The senator's cross-party appeal that helped him win statewide in the past may not be enough to overcome the Trump-aligned opposition in a GOP-only contest.

The details

Cassidy's vote to convict Trump following his impeachment over the January 6th Capitol riots is a centerpiece of his rivals' attacks. They have branded him a 'RINO' and say 'loyalty matters' and 'we sure don't forget.' Cassidy appears undeterred, touting his record of delivering federal dollars for Louisiana roads, bridges, internet, and healthcare. But political experts say his impeachment vote has put him in a 'difficult spot' ahead of the new closed-party primary system, where Republican activists favoring Trump are expected to turn out.

  • Cassidy voted to convict Trump following his impeachment over the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.
  • Louisiana is implementing a new closed-party primary system for the first time since 1975, where only registered Republicans will vote in the GOP primary.

The players

Bill Cassidy

U.S. Senator from Louisiana running for a third term, who voted to convict former President Trump following his impeachment.

Julia Letlow

U.S. Representative who announced her candidacy for Cassidy's Senate seat after receiving an endorsement from former President Trump.

John Fleming

Louisiana state Treasurer and former U.S. Representative challenging Cassidy in the Republican primary.

Blake Miguez

Louisiana state Senator challenging Cassidy in the Republican primary.

Eric Skrmetta

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner challenging Cassidy in the Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“Loyalty matters and we sure don't forget.”

— Blake Miguez, Louisiana state Senator (The Center Square)

“I have never violated a promise, opposed President Trump or betrayed the people of Louisiana whom I serve.”

— John Fleming, Louisiana state Treasurer and former U.S. Representative (X)

“This race will not be determined by endorsements. This race will be determined by who delivers for Louisiana.”

— Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator (The Center Square)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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