US Sen. Bill Cassidy qualifies for re-election; denies Gov. Landry's accusations

Cassidy defends his conservative voting record and addresses distractions during the campaign

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has qualified for reelection, voicing his confidence that voters will choose the candidate with a track record of delivering results. Shortly before Cassidy qualified, Gov. Jeff Landry accused Cassidy of supporting liberal judges and blocking the addition of a new conservative federal judge in Louisiana. Cassidy denied Landry's accusations, saying "it's all false" and that Landry is trying to create a distraction. Cassidy touted his accomplishments, including securing funding for the state, creating new jobs, and addressing the fentanyl crisis.

Why it matters

This race for the U.S. Senate seat in Louisiana is shaping up to be a contentious one, with the incumbent Cassidy facing accusations from the state's governor. The outcome could have significant implications for the political balance of power in the Senate.

The details

Cassidy qualified for reelection on Friday, defending his conservative voting record and warning of potential distractions during the campaign. Shortly before Cassidy's qualification, Gov. Jeff Landry took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Cassidy of supporting liberal judges and blocking the addition of a new conservative federal judge in Louisiana's Middle District. Cassidy strongly denied Landry's claims, saying "I don't know what the governor is talking about; it's all false." Cassidy said Landry is trying to distract from the real issues, which are "who is delivering for the state of Louisiana and who has the more conservative voting record." Cassidy touted his accomplishments, including securing over $1.3 billion in federal funding and millions for road safety in Louisiana.

  • Cassidy qualified for reelection on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • Election day is May 16, 2026.

The players

Bill Cassidy

U.S. Senator from Louisiana, running for reelection.

Jeff Landry

Governor of Louisiana, who has accused Cassidy of supporting liberal judges and blocking the addition of a new conservative federal judge.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know what the governor is talking about; it's all false.”

— Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator (louisianafirstnews.com)

“For more than a decade, @BillCassidy has supported liberal Obama judges. Recently, he led the efforts to block the addition of a new conservative federal judge in Louisiana's Middle District. Instead, he has spent his time listening to the Never Trumpers and voting to impeach President @realDonaldTrump.”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.