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Republican Senator Bill Cassidy loses primary after voting to convict Trump

other · 2026-05-17

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy placed last in Louisiana's three-way primary race, losing to Trump-backed challenger Julia Letlow. Cassidy was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump for inciting the January 6 insurrection. Trump celebrated Cassidy's defeat on social media, calling his political career 'OVER.' Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming advance to a run-off, with the winner virtually assured victory in November. Cassidy had won 59% of the vote in 2020 before his vote against Trump.

Key facts

  • Bill Cassidy placed last in Louisiana's Republican primary
  • Cassidy voted to convict Trump in 2021 for inciting insurrection
  • Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump, led with 44.8% of the vote
  • John Fleming had 28.3%, Cassidy had 24.7%
  • Letlow and Fleming advance to a run-off next month
  • Trump called Cassidy's political career 'OVER' on social media
  • Cassidy won 59% of the vote in 2020
  • Trump is also targeting Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky

Entities

Institutions

  • Republican Party
  • Louisiana Republican Party
  • Trump campaign
  • Kennedy-linked political action committee

Locations

  • Louisiana
  • United States
  • Kentucky
  • Texas

Sources