Bill Cassidy’s Senate Run Ends as Letlow Leads the Pack

In a race that most experts predicted would be very tight, U.S. Representative Julia Letlow ran away from the pack getting more than 40% of the vote. She was obviously boosted by her endorsement from President Trump in her bid to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy.

While Letlow finished first, State Treasurer John Fleming finished second leaving Cassidy on the sidelines. Cassidy’s decade-long Senate tenure was brought to an end by primary challengers who successfully tapped into the far right conservative base.

Now, Letlow and Fleming will advance to a decisive primary runoff scheduled for June 27. Given Louisiana’s strong Republican leanings, the winner of the runoff is heavily favored to claim the Senate seat in November's general election.

Cassidy has never been able to recover from his vote to impeach President Trump in 2021.

On election day, President Trump criticized Cassidy on social media as "a disloyal disaster."

Speaking to supporters on election night, Cassidy offered a defense of his principles, stating that "our country is not about one individual."

Letlow thanked her supporters and described why she wants to serve in the United States Senate.

Letlow led the field with 44.22% (104,094 votes), followed by Fleming at 28.33% (66,698 votes). Cassidy trailed in a distant third place with 25.35% (59,670 votes).

How Did the Candidates Fare in Northwest Louisiana

Bossier Parish: John Fleming outperformed the statewide averages here, leading the parish with a +6.50% margin over Julia Letlow with a total of 6,366 votes reported.

Caddo Parish: The race in Caddo was exceptionally tight, with initial returns showing a virtual tie at the top between the leading candidates before final late-night precinct confirmations.

De Soto Parish: John Fleming maintained a strong regional foothold, leading the parish with a +8.40% margin.

Bienville Parish: John Fleming secured a substantial local victory, capturing the parish by a +14.50% margin over Letlow.

Claiborne Parish: John Fleming also carried this border parish, leading the field by a +5.00% margin.

On the Democratic ticket, Jamie Davis, a northeast Louisiana crop farmer, and Nick Albares, a New Orleans native and nonprofit executive, will also head to a run-off for the party's Senate nomination.

How Did the Amendments Fare in the Election

Nearly 800,000 Louisianians voted in the May 16 election, with voters rejecting all five state constitutional amendments.

Public Service Commission: District 5 Republican Primary

• John Atkins — 63, 265 (88%)
• Aiden Joyner — 8,571 (12%)

Public Service Commission: District 5 Democratic Primary

• James Green — 38,980 (77%)
• Austin Lawson — 11,926 (23%)

Voters also turned down 2 tax propositions in Caddo Fire District 5.