Louisiana Congressional Primaries Heating Up Early

Republican candidates in Louisiana's first closed congressional primaries are going after their challengers aggressively.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Some Republican candidates in Louisiana's first closed congressional primaries are going after their challengers early. A super PAC supporting Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy's pursuit of a third six-year term launched a TV ad that slammed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who is one of Cassidy's challengers and has President Donald Trump's endorsement. State Treasurer John Fleming also had strong words for Cassidy and Letlow, describing the contest as being between 'two liberal Republican candidates' and himself 'the only true conservative in this race.' Several polls show Cassidy trailing Letlow and Fleming in the Republican primary.

Why it matters

The heated rhetoric and early attacks in Louisiana's congressional primaries highlight the deep divisions within the Republican party, as more conservative candidates challenge establishment figures like Cassidy. The race could serve as a bellwether for the direction of the GOP ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The details

A super PAC supporting Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy's reelection bid launched a TV ad that accused U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who has Trump's endorsement, of voting with President Biden more than any other Republican member of Louisiana's congressional delegation. Letlow responded by touting Trump's endorsement, while state Treasurer John Fleming described the race as being between 'two liberal Republican candidates' in Cassidy and Letlow, and himself as 'the only true conservative.' Several polls show Cassidy trailing Letlow and Fleming in the Republican primary.

  • The Cassidy ad was launched earlier this month.
  • Letlow qualified for the race on Friday.
  • The Louisiana congressional primaries will be held on May 16, 2026.

The players

Bill Cassidy

Republican U.S. Senator from Louisiana who is seeking a third six-year term.

Julia Letlow

U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 5th Congressional District who is challenging Cassidy in the Republican primary and has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

John Fleming

Louisiana State Treasurer who is also running against Cassidy and Letlow in the Republican primary, describing himself as 'the only true conservative in this race.'

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What they’re saying

“I am so proud to have earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump, and now I'll continue fighting alongside him to secure our borders and to continue to grow our economy.”

— Julia Letlow (X (formerly Twitter)

“Well, it didn't take long for Bill Cassidy and his never-Trumper, pro-impeachment allies to begin attacking me.”

— Julia Letlow (X (formerly Twitter)

“I'm in this race to fight for the soul of America. I echo the words of President Trump: 'Fight, fight, fight.'”

— Rick Edmonds, State Senator (The Advocate)

“I will never waver my support for President Trump's MAGA agenda.”

— Blake Miguez, State Senator (The Advocate)

“People want someone that understands the needs of that district. Those that are just office-shoppers need to stay where they are.”

— Michael Echols, State Representative (The Advocate)

What’s next

The Louisiana congressional primaries will be held on May 16, 2026, and the results will provide an early indication of the direction of the Republican party ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The takeaway

The heated rhetoric and early attacks in Louisiana's congressional primaries highlight the deep divisions within the Republican party, as more conservative candidates challenge establishment figures like Cassidy. The race could serve as a bellwether for the direction of the GOP, with the outcome potentially influencing the 2024 presidential election.