Cassidy, Letlow Trade Barbs as Louisiana Senate Race Takes Shape

Trump's surprise endorsement of Letlow sets up heated GOP primary showdown

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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President Donald Trump's surprise endorsement of U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow in her bid to unseat fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy has set up a heated showdown, with the pair trading barbs on the final day of candidate qualifying for the May 16 party primaries. Cassidy has sought to paint Letlow as a liberal, while Letlow has the backing of Trump and Gov. Jeff Landry. The race is taking place under Louisiana's new closed party primary system.

Why it matters

The race between the more moderate Cassidy and the conservative Letlow, backed by Trump, highlights the divisions within the Republican Party in Louisiana. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

The details

Cassidy, who has held the Senate seat since 2015, has faced criticism from the conservative wing of the party since his vote to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial. Letlow, a former university administrator, has been painted by Cassidy as a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, which she denies. Letlow has the support of Trump and Landry, while Cassidy is backed by a slew of supporters who accompanied him to file for reelection.

  • Candidate qualifying for the May 16 party primaries took place on February 13, 2026.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court has not yet ruled on a case regarding Louisiana's congressional maps, which has pushed the party primaries to May.

The players

Bill Cassidy

U.S. Senator from Louisiana, seeking reelection as a Republican.

Julia Letlow

U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 5th Congressional District, challenging Cassidy for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States, who has endorsed Letlow's campaign.

Jeff Landry

Governor of Louisiana, who is reportedly behind Trump's endorsement of Letlow.

John Fleming

Treasurer of Louisiana, who is also running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I wish that we all could run positive campaigns on our records and our vision and our dreams for Louisiana …”

— Julia Letlow, U.S. Representative (Louisiana Illuminator)

“Jeff Landry has been working on this endorsement over a year. I've heard about it from a number of people.”

— John Fleming, Treasurer of Louisiana (Louisiana Illuminator)

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 race highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party in Louisiana, with the more moderate Cassidy facing a challenge from the conservative Letlow, who has the backing of Trump and Landry. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.